Young writers are encouraged to enter the ninth edition of Ripple Foundation’s Kids Write 4 Kids creative writing challenge.
The annual, Canada-wide contest is open to youth in Grades 4-8 who are aged 8 to 14, and is free to enter. Judged by a panel of professionals from the publishing world, it is the only competition of its kind in Canada where kids can become a published author. The winner will have his or her book available for purchase in paperback, and in eBook format on Amazon, Google Play, iBookstore and Overdrive. Since 2012, 17 books have been published, with all proceeds from book sales donated to charities or organizations chosen by the winners.
“2020 has certainly been a year of challenges and change, but also discovery for many,” said Ivy Wong, Founder of Ripple Foundation. “We know that, in recent months, children everywhere have been processing these times by putting pen to paper. For those young aspiring authors, we encourage them to submit their short stories this year to be in with a chance of becoming a published author.”
This year’s story entries will be judged by a curated panel that includes past Kids Write 4 Kids winners, editors, and authors. Jeffrey Canton, The Globe and Mail’s children’s book columnist; award-winning author Tim Wynne-Jones; and Deborah Dundas, the Books Editor at the Toronto Star are among the impressive panel.
The 2020/2021 deadline for young Canadian writers to submit their creative stories is March 31, 2021, and the winner will be announced in June 2021.
Photo credit: Ripple Foundation
A 100 per cent volunteer-run National youth education charity, the Ripple Foundation also hosts free Write It Workshops for youth in grades 4-8. The creative writing program “focuses on improving the writing skills of children through which participants are encouraged to find their voice and gain confidence in their choices as a writer.” Find more information about the program at ripplefoundation.ca/write-it-workshops/virtual-writing-workshop-schedule/
So kids, grab a pen, pencil, or keyboard, and get those creative ideas flowing!
