TALENTED writers have been challenged to put pen to paper and tell a story.

Children, families and older residents are coming to terms with the reality of staying at home during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Now, The Reading Room is calling on everyone to create their own short story, with the winners receiving vouchers for the Haddington High Street business.

Mark O’Brien, of The Reading Room, said: “Everyone is coming to terms with the difficulties during lockdown so this short story competition is a great way to allow people to escape by exploring their own literary imagination.

“We’ll be looking out for creativity and a flair for writing and will compile the best entries into a book of stories set here in East Lothian.”

Entries are open across four age groups, with one winner from each category awarded a Reading Room gift voucher for £50, while runners up will each receive a £25 gift voucher.

Every winner and runner up will also receive a copy of the anthology of East Lothian short stories, featuring their own contribution.

A judging panel will choose the winners, who will be announced in mid-June. The judges are: Annemarie Allan, children’s fantasy and science fiction writer; Jenny Harper, chairman of The Lamp of Lothian Trust; Councillor Craig Hoy, Haddington and Lammermuir Councillor and former journalist; Quintin Jardine, crime novelist and Gullane resident; Councillor John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian; Sue Northrop, director of Dementia Friendly East Lothian; Marie Macpherson, author of ‘The Knox’ trilogy and Gifford resident; Bill Paige, community school librarian, Wallyford; The Rev Alison McDonald, minister at Haddington’s St Mary’s Parish Church, Haddington; and Marie Sharp, BBC Local Democracy Reporter.

Entries are open across four age groups, and submissions should be lodged by email or post, to arrive by May 11. All stories should be original and set in East Lothian.

To view the categories and enter, visit facebook.com/readingroomhaddington; or email ReadingRoomHaddington@outlook.com for more details.

 

 

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