Got a budding writer at home? This short story competition is perfect for them

Have you got a mini bookworm at home who is always coming up with stories?

You could have a future best-selling author under your roof and you just don't know it. Writer and musician Niall Breslin (Bressie) is calling on budding authors to sharpen their pencils and get scribbling. He has teamed up with Specsavers to encourage children to take part in its nationwide short story competition. Bressie is encouraging kids to put pen to paper for the Specsavers competition. The competition has been launched to help celebrate Specsavers’ sponsorship of the Junior and Senior Children's Book of the Year categories at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2022. He says: "This competition is a brilliant way for children to get creative by thinking outside the box. "Writing is also an amazing way to build confidence in children as it allows them to communicate their own viewpoint, thoughts, and feelings. He added, "Writing isn’t about having the best grammar or spelling; it’s about encouraging self–expression through a safe space. "This competition is a great way for children to use their imagination. They could also win something for their school too." The winner of the junior and senior category of the Specsavers short story competition will win €500 for their school library. They will also win all of the shortlisted children’s titles for 2022. How to enter: To enter Specsavers’ competition simply create a short story, of no longer than 500 words. The task is to write a short story inspired by the below picture The closing date for entries is Friday, November 25th. Post entries to; Specsavers Short Story Competition, c/o WHPR, 6 Ely Place, Dublin 2. You can also submit online at www.specsavers.ie/irish-book-awards