The Stylefit Writing Competition is a writing competition run for students around New Zealand from Year 4 to Year 13.

This year, the competition was fierce, with over 4000 submissions, almost double the amount from last year. Over 400 schools across the country participated. The competition was judged by critically acclaimed New Zealand authors/writers Chris Else, Tessa Duder, Bronwyn Elsmore, Robyn Pearce and Suraya Dewing.

Competitors were given two images to choose from and had to write a short story based on the picture. If they wished, they were allowed to choose another topic. They also had to use Stylefit, a literacy tool designed by the company, which gives them instant feedback on their writing. Students had to send a screenshot of their results from the Stylefit Writing Tool along with their entry. It was great to get instant guidance on my writing and play around with the software!

I am very pleased to announce that I have received 5th place in the Year 9-10 category with my entry ‘No Turning Back’. My story was about an alternate planet where humans live peacefully after climate change drives humans to the brink of extinction and makes Planet Earth impossible for humans to survive.

Congratulations to Matthew May, 13WMA who received 3rd place in the Year 11-13 Category with their entry 'Paint Teeth'.

Over the next few weeks, the top 6 entries in each category will go up on the Stylefit Website (https://www.stylefit.co.nz/category/newsandevents/our-blog/), so keep an eye out and have a read over the holidays!

Sayu Weerasinghe, 10 ONJ