THE closing date for the Hall Caine Memorial Prize for Creative Writing is fast approaching.
The deadline for entries is Friday, January 28.
The literary prize, in memory of celebrated novelist Sir Hall Caine, is open to all students who are in 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 set in the present, the past or the future.
Judges will be looking for strong characterisation, good narrative flow and, above all, imaginative storytelling.
Gloria Rukeyser, a great granddaughter of Sir Hall Caine, launched the prize.
Mrs Rukeyser, who, like her famous ancestor, is a writer and journalist, said: "In an age when modern technology encourages us to communicate in a kind of electronic shorthand, it is crucial to preserve and protect the art of thoughtful storytelling.
"Each young person possesses a unique perspective and holds the potential to change the way the rest of us think. In fact, through his or her well-crafted, engrossing and original creative writing, a student has the power to affect the world – perhaps even to improve it.
"Submitted work should demonstrate the very best of their abilities and be a reflection of their unique voice.
"Eligible formats include short story, memoir excerpt, contemporary or historical novel excerpt and one-act play, but teachers are encouraged to guide their students as appropriate for age and skill level.
"I hope that each and every student interested in creative literary expression will participate and add their voice to the world's conversation."
Sir Hall Caine was born in 1853 in Cheshire but had strong connections with the Island and eventually came to live here full time. He is closely associated with Greeba Castle which is his former home and is still in the family's ownership.
His works, often wholly or partly set in the Isle of Man, include The Deemster (1887), The Manxman (1894) and The Christian (1897).
His last novel was The Woman of Knockaloe (1923) and almost all of his books were turned into silent films or plays.
Sir Hall Caine was elected to the House of Keys in 1901 - representing Ramsey - and was knighted in 1918.
He died in 1931, aged 78, at Greeba Castle and he is buried at Kirk Maughold.
Full details of the competition are available by viewing www.gov.im/education/hallcaineprize.xml
