Entries are now open for Geelong Regional Libraries' 'The Amazing Lockdown' short story competition.

We're looking for original pieces of writing, 500 words or less, on the theme ‘The Amazing Lockdown’.

You can take inspiration from the current situation, like social distancing and isolation, or your own interpretation of the theme. We are looking for stories with strong characters, a well-crafted plot and realistic dialogue. Make us laugh, make us cry, but, most of all, make us feel!

Entries will be judged by local authors Mark Smith (The Road to Winter, Wilder Country, Land of Fences) and Jayne Tuttle (Paris or Die - A Memoir), and Surf Coast Shire Councillor Margot Smith. The winner will receive a $100 book voucher from The Bookshop at Queenscliff. 

Email your entry to competition@grlc.vic.gov.au. Entries should be Arial 12pt, double spaced, and submitted as a Word document. Full conditions below.

Submissions close Friday 29 May at 5pm. 

Conditions of entry:

Entries should adhere to the following criteria:

• All entries must be original pieces of writing by the entrant and not published anywhere else.
• This competition is open to adults 18 years old and over.
• Entries must be in English.
• By entering the competition, you agree to give GRLC the right to distribute the work in its entirety for promotional purposes online and in print. Copyright of the work remains with the author.
• The decision of the judges is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
• The closing date for submissions is 5pm on Friday 29 May 2020.
• The winner will be notified by phone/email by Thursday 4 June 2020.
• The winner and shortlist will be announced on the GRLC website.
• GRLC staff and family members are ineligible to enter.
• Only manuscripts within the 500 word limit will be accepted. This means any story up to and including 500 words.
• Entries should be submitted as an email attachment as a Microsoft Word Document or PDF.
• Entries must be in Arial 12pt and double spaced. 
• Entries must not show the name or address of the entrant, but must include the title.
• In the body of the email, please ensure that you include the title of your story, your name and contact details.
• Explicit, derogatory or offensive material will not be accepted