Author and podcast host Georgie Crawford has teamed up with Specsavers in Drogheda to encourage budding young authors to enter their short story competition.

The competition launched to help celebrate Specsavers’ sponsorship of the Junior and Senior Children's Book of the Year categories at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024.

As an author and a mum to two young children, Georgie is encouraging children to get involved in the competition

She says: “As an author and someone who lives for the power of stories, I'm so excited about this competition. It's a chance for kids to tap into their creativity, find their voice, and realize that their words have power.

“Writing is a journey of self-discovery, and this competition provides a safe and supportive space for kids to explore their thoughts and feelings through storytelling. Parents and guardians, I urge you to encourage your children to dive in – you'll be amazed by what they create. And who knows, they might just surprise themselves (and their school!) with a win.”

The competition is a fun way to help children fall in love with reading and writing.

The winner of the junior and senior category of the Specsavers short story competition will win €500 for their school library along with all the titles shortlisted in the Specsavers Irish Children’s Book of the Year categories at the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024.

Georgie’s top tips for writing a short story:

Believe in your story magic: You have stories bursting inside you, just waiting to be told! Trust your ideas, no matter how big or small, silly or serious. Let your imagination soar and don't be afraid to explore the unknown corners of your creativity.

Write about what you love: What makes your heart sing? Is it a day at the beach, a video game adventure, a special friendship, or maybe a dream you once had? Turn your passions and real-life experiences into stories that will resonate with readers.

To enter Specsavers’ competition simply create a short story, no longer than 500 words, inspired by the picture below:

Fuel your imagination: Be a reading explorer! Journey through different kinds of books – funny comics, thrilling mysteries, magical fantasies. Discover what other authors do and ask, "What if?" to spark amazing story ideas of your own.

Make it exciting: Show, don't tell! Instead of saying "The monster was scary," describe its slimy scales, razor-sharp teeth, and bloodcurdling roar. Use all five senses to bring your story to life and don't forget to add a problem or challenge for your character to overcome.

Writing tips: Start small – even a few sentences is a great start! Read your story aloud to yourself to see how it sounds. Don't be afraid to ask grown-ups, teachers, or friends for feedback. And most importantly, don't give up! Writing takes practice, but the more you write, the better you'll become.

Most importantly, have fun! Writing should be an enjoyable adventure! Let your imagination run wild, embrace silliness and surprise, and savour the process of bringing your unique story to life.

Closing date for entries is Tuesday 7th January 2025, entries should be posted to:

Specsavers Short Story Competition,

c/o WHPR, 6 Ely Place,

Dublin 2.

You can pick up an entry form at the Specsavers shop in West Street or online at www.specsavers.ie/irish-book-awards