StoryFest is delighted to announce the shortlists of its storytelling competition which feature a number of talented writers from the Milton-Ulladulla district.
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The competition attracted entrants from across the Shoalhaven area who used this year's theme, 'footprints in the sand' to explore loss, mental health, love, infidelity, and the environment.
Festival Director Meredith Jaffé said they were delighted to see so many entries from budding writers in primary school to the adult talent living in the region.
"It is always a pleasure to see how people choose to tackle a theme and the judging panel was delighted with the diversity of entries and the skill of our region's writers," she said.
The storytelling competition is divided into three categories: primary, secondary and adult.
Judge Michelle Barraclough said she was amazed at how clever the primary school students' stories were.
"There are some super-talented writers in this category as the shortlist demonstrates. Stories of fear, horror and mystery feature alongside stories of friendship and family. Each of these students are to be congratulated on their wonderful storytelling skills."
Judge Pamela Cook said, entries in the Secondary category showed maturity and reflected issues of concern to this generation.
"The shortlisted entries demonstrate the power of words to articulate ideas about the environment, relationships and the future. They were a joy to read."
Ms Jaffé said the diversity of the adult entries was impressive.
"They featured stories about surfing, PTSD, infidelity, writing, grief and love. All of these writers produced works of great nuance and power."
The winners will be announced on Monday, June 17 as part of StoryFest. The entries can be read at www.storyfest.org.au.
The inaugural storytelling festival runs from June 21 to June 23.
Shortlisted stories for the Primary category are:
Grace Condie Footprints in the Sand
Ivy Lawson Mark and Pretzel
Mia Leighton Mystery at Sandy Bay
Oscar Perry Dickinson Scream
Hugo Perry Dickinson Near Death
Elise Proctor Footprints in the Sand
The shortlisted stories for the Secondary category are:
Madelyn Black Old World
Sarah Cameron Roses
Charlotte Croker Changing Visits
Charlotte Croker Imperfect Postcard
Caitlin Schaefer Footprints in the Sand
Keeley Seer Waves of Change
The shortlisted stories for the Adult category are:
Henry Carter Evan Hates the Beach
Bronwyn Coulston The Young One
Adam Jeffrey Roar
Terry Malone Deadline
Chris Marcic The Fragility of Life
Karen Morrow The Shack