Let the 'Whispers in the Wind' Inspire Your Winning Story in 2025!

Local storytellers are invited to let their creativity flow and their imaginations glow

by entering the 2025 Words Out West Short Story Competition.

The competition is hosted by Western Downs Libraries and is a much-loved event

in the wider annual Words Out West Festival, showcasing local Australian talent

and inspiring the next generation of creative enthusiasts.

Open to youth (12-18 yrs) and adult (18 + yrs) writers, this competition offers a

platform to showcase individuality in crafted tales of adventure, reflection,

or whimsy.

Entries can be submitted until 16 February 2025 and winners will be announced

at the 2025 festival on Sunday 16 March 2025.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith said Council was proud

to be supporting the annual Words Out West Festival again in 2025, nurturing local

creative writing talent through supporting arts and culture.

"By participating in this competition, writers have the opportunity to be recognised

and celebrated for their creativity," Mayor Smith said.

"We are excited to see the diverse and imaginative stories that will emerge from

the 2025 competition showing once again that our region is full of literary talent

and enthusiasts.

"As a wonderful inclusion in the wider 2025 Words Out West Festival, the

Short Story Competition supports writing talent in our active, vibrant community

and attracts budding authors and writers as young as 12-years-old to participate

in this wonderful event.

"Hosting such creative events not only enriches our cultural landscape but also

attracts visitors from across the state, who appreciate the arts, to our region.”

For more information, and terms and conditions,

please visit www.wordsoutwest.westerndownslibraries.com. 

At a Glance:

• Entries close Sunday 16 February 2025

• Word limit is 1,500 words for youth and 3,000 words for adults.

• Stories must be fiction and written on the theme of "Whispers in the Wind."

Prizes:

Winners will be announced at the 2025 festival on Sunday 16 March 2025.

Youth

1st — $300 + Brisbane Children’s Writers Festival Ticket

2nd — $200 + Brisbane Children’s Writers Festival Ticket

3rd — $100 + Brisbane Children’s Writers Festival Ticket

Adult

1st — $500 + Festival Days Pass + Queensland Writers Centre Membership

2nd — $300 + Festival Days Pass + Queensland Writers Centre Membership

3rd — $150 + Festival Days Pass + Queensland Writers Centre Membership