Write '05

Write '05: The Rules

More than 350 poems, stories, lyrics and plays have been entered into our creative writing competition.

THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED BUT YOU CAN READ ALL THE ENTRIES ON THIS WEBSITE

BBC Northamptonshire has teamed up with Northamptonshire County Council's Libraries and Information Service and Wicksteed Park, Kettering, to run the Write '05 competition.

The Rules

The judges were looking for an original and imaginative use of English. Entrants were invited to submit any kind of creative writing including prose, poetry, lyrics and scripts, or a mixture of different genres. We wanted to be entertained, moved or made to think. Writing could be inspired by Northamptonshire people or places, but that was not a requirement (if there was a tie, it might have become a factor).

A maximum 1,500 words per entry.

^{For inspiration, see our feature on five great Northamptonshire writers.  Click on the link on the right.}

The prizes

Glass trophy made by Gunta Anita Krumins

The overall winner will get:

There will be 10 runners up winners:

Children's winners:

^{Please note that the trophy will be presented to the winner but kept on display at the BBC Headquarters on Abington Street, Northampton.}

Closing date

All entries must be received by us by the end of Friday, 17th June, 2005.

Categories

There are just four categories:

Your details

To enter this competition, you had to:

PLEASE NOTE: THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Song lyrics

We welcomed all kinds of creative writing, whether it's poetry, stories, plays, film scripts or song lyrics. Remember that the music was not judged - just your use of words.

An invitation

Everyone who's entered (along with their family and friends) is invited to come along to the Write '05 event at Wicksteed Park, Kettering, on Sunday 24th July, 2005, part of the Kettering Show at Wicksteed Park. If you wish, you can read an extract of your entry on the BBC Northamptonshire stage.  (Depending on numbers, a ballot may be held to decide who will read). During the event, the Write '05 winners will be announced and the prizes given.  A full list of winners will also be published on www.bbc.co.uk/northamptonshire.

Language

Some of the Write '04 winners

All entries must be in English.

Remember that people of all ages use this website. Make sure your entries are tasteful and relevant. Our guidelines are similar to those of the BBC Get Writing website. Unlawful, harassing, defamatory, abusive, threatening, harmful, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, racially offensive, or otherwise objectionable material is not acceptable. Hardcore swearing will be **** out; all except the first and last letters will be shown. Find out which words are deemed offensive by clicking on the link on the top right of this page.  For more about defamation, click the defamation link. These links take you to the BBC Get Writing and the BBC DNA websites.

Publishing

All entries that fulfil the criteria will be published on bbc.co.uk/northamptonshire and some entries may be broadcast on BBC Radio Northampton. Winning entries will also feature in an exhibition which will tour Northamptonshire libraries. We also reserve the right to publish entries in a book; we will let you know in advance if this is planned.

Detailed rules

Terms of submitting material: By contributing material to www.bbc.co.uk/northamptonshire, you agree to the BBC's standard Terms and Conditions relating to user contributions.  Click the terms and conditions link on the top right of this page. We are unable to return any material submitted by post.
^{• The Judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• Winners will be contacted personally by email.
• The prize(s) must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. There will be no cash alternatives.
• The BBC does not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries due to the Internet. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt.
• Entrants must supply full details as required above, and comply with all rules to be eligible for the prize(s). No responsibility is accepted for ineligible entries or entries made fraudulently.
• This competition is not open to employees or contractors of the BBC, Wicksteed Park or Northamptonshire County Council Libraries & Information Service, any person directly involved in the BBC, Wicksteed Park or Northamptonshire County Council Libraries & Information Service or the running of the competition, or their direct family members.
• The BBC reserves the right to cancel this competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise outside of its control.
• Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.
• These rules are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
• This competition is administered by the BBC.}