Write On
They say everyone's got a story to tell. Entries are now open for the Young Territory Author Awards (YTTA), the prestigious literary prize back for a 33rd year to uncover the next crop of talented Territory writers.
If you’re an aspiring wordsmith, NT resident and aged 18 years or under, why not put pen to paper and throw your hat – or should we say, manuscript – in the ring?
By Kate Conway
Last year, 11-year-old Freya Galati took out the Overall YTAA Award with her book June Girls. With her winnings, she went on to self-publish another of her titles. Penned when she was the ripe old age of eight, her book What Do Crocodiles Really Think? was also awarded winner of the Darwin Region back in 2019. Talk about impressive.
Over $1300 in prizes are up for grabs across a number of awards with categories divided into age groups, regions, schools and the coveted major prize, Young Territory Author of the Year. While that’s some pretty sweet dosh, it’s not all about the monetary gain. All entries are displayed at Casuarina Library alongside texts from previous years, a pretty special honour for any writer.
“If you enter a book in the Young Territory Author Awards, your name goes into the library catalogue as an author and I think that’s pretty fun, even if you don’t win anything,” Freya says.
“It’s pretty awesome because it feels like I’m an actual author!”
In the lead up to the closing date, NT Writers' Centre is running a bunch of informative workshops, giving budding writers the chance to pick the brains of local authors for inspiration and advice, and to polish up their work. This year, authors Barry Jonsberg and Sandra Kendall are on board to share their knowledge and experience, which in itself is set to be an amazing experience.
For a little extra motivation, here’s some parting words of encouragement from Freya.
“Don’t doubt yourself, and write what’s in your heart.”
Young Territory Author Awards
WHEN ENTRIES CLOSE SUN 27 AUG
INFO darwin.nt.gov.au/ytaa
YTAA Writing Workshops
WHEN TUE 11 APR (SANDRA KENDELL) & THU 13 APR (BARRY JONSBERG) 2.30-4.30PM
AT CASUARINA LIBRARY
COST FREE
INFO darwin.nt.gov.au/ytaa
