BUDDING young writers have been reminded that the deadline for a creative writing competition is nearing.
The theme for the 2011/12 Hall Caine Memorial Prize is 'Hope' and the closing date is January 27.
The prize, which is in its second year, is open to students who are in full-time education in the Isle of Man. They are invited to pen a short story, a memoir, a one-act play or the opening chapter of a novel.
Judges will look for strong characterisation, good narrative flow and, above all, imaginative story-telling.
Sir Hall Caine is best known for works such as The Deemster (1887), The Manxman (1894) and The Christian (1897). Almost all of his books were turned into silent films or plays.
Gloria Rukeyser, who is a great granddaughter of Sir Hall Caine and lives at the novelist's historic home, Greeba Castle, founded and sponsors the prize to foster the love of reading and writing.
Addressing potential entrants this year she said: "So much of being a good writer comes from being a regular reader.
"Reading can enhance your style, expand your vocabulary, improve your grammar, show you what works in a sentence, what is interesting and what is flat and boring.
"You'll hear people say that print is finished. You may even think so yourself. New technologies are transforming the world of publishing. You can go online and find dozens of interesting literary magazines and you can read the stories in their current issues for free.
"In the early 14th century another huge change took place as printed books began to take over from oral storytelling. The Canterbury Tales appeared. Then, and now, it's an exciting time to be writing."
The prize has four categories: primary, in which entrants must write up to 500 words, with prizes of £100, £75 and £50; Key Stages 3 – up to 1,500 words with prizes of £150, £100 and £50; Key Stage 4 – with the same world limit and prizes and Key Stage 5/IoM College – up to 2,000 words with prizes of £200, £150 and £100.
Up to 10 highly commended entrants in each category will receive prizes of £20.
Judging the primary entries will be head teachers Jill Gill (Ballacloan Infants) and David Jenkins (Dhoon Primary). Representatives of secondary English departments will judge the older age categories.
The closing date for entries is Friday, January 27, 2012.
Entrants are advised to study the full rules which can be viewed at http://www.gov.im/education/competitions.
