Get inspired and share your creativity. . .
Seniors, you’re invited to submit your work to the Annual Writing Competition for Seniors 2024.
Your piece should creatively interpret the theme: Reflect. Tell us what it means to you in 2024 as we celebrate The City of Oshawa’s centennial. We can’t wait to read your stories!
Download a Printable Annual Writing Competition Brochure.
General Guidelines
- Writers may enter one original fiction or non-fiction piece that represents the theme, Reflect. The piece may not be previously submitted or accepted elsewhere for publication.
- Entries must be 1500 words or less.
- Participants 55+ who hold current membership at the Oshawa Public Libraries or the Oshawa Senior Community Centres are eligible to enter. Documentation of membership may be requested.
- Staff members of Oshawa Public Libraries or the Oshawa Senior Community Centres are not eligible to enter.
- Prizes will be awarded at the judges’ discretion. The decision of the judges is final.
- Prizes include: 1st Place = $100 Indigo Gift Card, 2nd Place = $75 Indigo Gift Card, 3rd Place = $50 Indigo Gift Card, and 3 Honourable Mention Certificates.
- Prizes will be awarded at the Tell Tale Tea on October 23, 2024, from 2-3:30 pm at the OSCC, 43 John Street.
- Winners may be asked to provide an electronic copy of their submission.
- Winning submissions may be published.
Checklist for Writers:
- A cover page with the title, my name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, word count and OSCC or OPL membership number is included.
- I have filled out and attached the cover page with my entry. I have not identified myself on any other pages.
- Entry is double-spaced and typed. (Hand-written entries will not be considered.)
- Pages are clipped together, not stapled.
- Pages are numbered and the title is on the top left corner of every page.
- I understand that failure to follow the guidelines and provide complete, legible and accurate information on the entry form will disqualify my submission.
Submission:
Deliver, mail or email submissions no later than 5:00 pm on September 22, 2024.
Upon receipt, we will confirm with an email or phone call. Contact Oshawa Public Libraries or the Oshawa Senior Community Centres if you do not hear from us. Send your entry to:
Brittany Dunk
Oshawa Public Libraries
65 Bagot Street
Oshawa, ON L1H 1N2
programs@oshawalibrary.on.ca
or
Kim Finn
Oshawa Senior Community Centres
43 John Street West
Oshawa, ON L1H 1W8
kfinn@oshawa.ca
The 2023 Competition Winners!
Read the winning stories below:
3rd Place – The Family Gathering