The exciting and brainstorming session was spent at the luxury Conrad Pezula Resort and Spa and will culminate in three prizes being awarded in categories for three different languages during the main Knysna Literary Festival.
The writers' workshop for school pupils was the first event of this year's much anticipated Knysna Literary Festival, established in 2010 by Ling Dobson, franchisee and principal agent of Pam Golding Knysna.
Says Dobson: "The Knysna Literary Festival aims to not only be a means to stimulate the children of Knysna and encourage them to embrace literacy, but to expose locals and visitors alike to the many South African authors taking part in this year's event. We invite young writers from Knysna to participate in our Young Writers Competition - let your imagination take flight!"
Thirty-five learners from Knysna, Concordia, Percy Mdala, Montesorri, Knysna Sekondêr and Oakhill high schools participated and got an early start to their competition entries.
The competition will be judged as follows: Junior Learners (6 - 12 years) - a poem, submitted in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa, written on one of the following subjects: Lucky the Loerie; The Wayward Whale; An Enchanted Forest.
Senior Learners (13 years - matric): a short story, submitted in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa, written on one of the following subjects: Tracks, Trails and Footprints; A Sea Rescue; The Chjoo Tjoe’s last trip. Each story must be no less than 400 words and no more than 600 words. Stories outside of these limits will not be considered. The number of words must be indicated on the entry.
Exciting Prizes!
The first prize for both the short story and poem categories, in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa is a Prestigio 7-inch Multipad.
The second prize for both the short story and poem categories, English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa is a MP3/4-Player.
Competition rules
The entrant's name and age must be clearly written on the entry form and submission. The poem or short story should show one's creativity and technical excellence in the language, keeping a subtle 'Knysna flavour' and respect for the theme. The work must be original and written only by the participant.
Entry forms and entries must be handed in on A4-size paper. No faxes, CDs or emails will be accepted. Entries must be sent to or dropped off at the Knysna Pam Golding Property office, 34 Main Road, Knysna, 6570. Entrants must keep copies of their work. Entries will not be returned. Only one entry per person is allowed.
The closing date for submissions is tomorrow, Friday, February 15.
All winning entries will be published by 'The Knysna Literary Festival'. By entering, one agrees to this condition.
A panel of judges will select the finalists from each category. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, March 19 at Knysna High School hall at 13:00. The judges’ decision is final. For more information contact 044 382 5574.
View more photos here.
New Concordia High School learners attending the writers' workshop are (from left) Fundeka Mkoko, Gudzai Sibanda, Kholelwa Zana and Julie Jacobs.
