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22.03.05
22 March 2005, Singapore - Committed to the development of young creative literary talents, Marshall Cavendish is once again calling for entries for the Budding Writers Project 2005. Primary and secondary school students with a passion and flair for writing and illustration are strongly encouraged to take part in this creative writing competition to secure two publishing contracts with Marshall Cavendish and see their story transformed into a book.
Last year, the Budding Writers Project attracted more than 300 submissions of manuscripts of varying themes and sizes, where 10-year old Ho Li Ting and 14-year old Sharyl Thung won the hearts of the judges and got their books published. Ho Li Ting became the youngest writer to win the Best Work award at the age of ten years old, and at the same time won the double honour of "Best Illustrator". Both achievements were groundbreaking milestones for the Project since it started in 1999.
The Budding Writers Project 2005 is organised by Marshall Cavendish in collaboration with the National Library Board and National Book Development Council of Singapore. Started in 1999, the international publisher's purpose in organising this annual Project is to encourage young children to develop their creative writing and artistic skills. By publishing the works of students, it is hoped that other young writers and artists will be encouraged to work towards seeing their own works in print.
The Budding Writers Project accepts all forms of writing and the works can be submitted as an individual or a team. As the Project promotes works for children by children, the reading level of the submitted entries should cater to children no older than 14 years of age. All entries must reach Marshall Cavendish by 10 June 2005, after which a panel of reviewers will select two winners for the Best Works award, whose submissions will then be published into books. They will also select the Best Illustrated Work, 18 Top Finalists and the Best Supporting School, who will receive prizes and certificates.
The panel of reviewers are Mrs Carmee Lim, Vice-President of International Programme, Informatics Holdings Limited; Ms Cheah Yin Mee, Principal Consultant of Learning Ventures; Ms Paramita Bandaras, a retired Principal; and Mr Einstein Kristiansen, Head of Cartoon, Earthtree Pte Ltd.
Becoming An Author
In organising the Budding Writers Project, Marshall Cavendish hopes to help children discover the joy and satisfaction of putting their dreams and experiences on paper, therefore providing a platform for children to 'speak up' and for their imagination to take flight.
For the winners, besides winning prizes, they will receive recognition for their creativity and hard work, as well as gain exposure as an author through the publishing of their books.
With this combination, Marshall Cavendish aims to nurture interest in writing as a profession. One of last year's reviewers for the project, Miss Paramita Bandaras a retired principal, said, " If I were a child, it would give me a lot of encouragement to see my work in print. If we were given such opportunities early in life, there would be many more writers . "
Originality of Ideas
Unhindered by themes, participants can delve into their every day experiences or their imagination to produce a textual work of any subject matter and in any genre, be it prose, poetry or even a play.
For example, last year, one of the Best Work winner Li Ting from Tao Nan Primary School wrote and illustrated "My Brother" that saw her lovingly describe the day to day antics of her younger brother. The book is chock-a-block with the author's vivacious account and illustrations of family life as seen through her eyes.
The other Best Work award went to 14-year old Sharyl Thung from Crescent Girls' Secondary School, who wanted to encourage her friends and other teenagers with the story of a dwarf mouse that transcended depression to overcome the odds to survive. Like Li Ting, Sharyl illustrated the book herself. Through the book, Sharyl hoped to send out the message that there will always be sunshine after the rain.
Learning Advantages
While winners will receive royalties for the sale of every copy of their published entries, more importantly, they will undergo a brief learning process at Marshall Cavendish picking up tips on editing, book design, illustration, printing and marketing. They will work side by side with book editors, illustrators and the marketing team at Marshall Cavendish to add the finishing touches to their book, as well as to understand the entire publishing process.
Mrs Carmee Lim, Vice-President of International Programme, Informatics Holdings Limited , who is also a well known educationist and a member of the panel of reviewers for the Budding Writers Project commented , " The project offers a wonderful opportunity for self exploration and expression. It invokes the imagination and enhances the creativity in our budding young writers. It has been an enriching experience for me, particularly when I see more and more students taking part in this project."
Agreeing on this note is another reviewer , Mr. Einstein Kristiansen, Head of Cartoon, Earthtree Pte Ltd who said , " This is a rare opportunity to participate in a competition where you can draw as well as write. The importance of writing is well known but, drawing on the other hand, is not fully appreciated. The reality is that drawing, and the ability to express yourself visually is, in many cases, the only way to put a message across. Just think of a map, a logo or an architects drawing. So boys and girls join this great story competition and learn how to be great communicators with both words and pictures . "
To obtain details and entry forms for The Budding Writers Project, please visit www.marshallcavendish.com/education/buddingwriters . Rules and regulations for the competition are attached here as a PDF file.
About Budding Writers
The Budding Writers Project is organised by Marshall Cavendish to promote works by children, for children. Started in 1999, it was born out of a desire to encourage young children to develop their creative writing and artistic writing skills. By publishing the works of students, it is hoped that other young writers and artists will be encouraged to work towards seeing their own works in print.
Marshall Cavendish is proud to provide young writers and artists the opportunity to learn and have their works published through the Budding Writers Project.
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