The John Marsden Story Prize

A short story competition for young writers

Now Closed for 2026.

Thank You to our 139 entrants! Winners will be announced at the Festival on 11 October

Join us on 11 October!

Celebrating John Marsden

Photograph courtesy of River Ebony

John Marsden inspired generations of young Australians to read, think, question — and write.

One of Australia's most loved authors, John wrote more than 40 books during his career, including Tomorrow, When the War Began, the first of his hugely successful seven-book Tomorrow series. The series sold more than three million copies in Australia and introduced countless young readers to characters, ideas and stories that didn't talk down to them.

But John's legacy goes far beyond the books he wrote.

He believed deeply in young people — in their ideas, their creativity and their ability to find their own voice.

That belief shaped much of his life. As well as writing, John was a passionate teacher and mentor. He founded Candlebark School in 2006 and later Alice Miller School, an arts-focused secondary school, in 2016. Both are in Victoria's Macedon Ranges.

John and Newstead

John had a special connection to our part of the world, spending many weekends writing at his cottage in Sandon, just outside Newstead.

In 2024, he generously returned to the area to headline the very first Newstead Young Writers Festival.

Young people packed his workshops and talks to hear him speak about stories, writing and the craft he had spent a lifetime exploring. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his belief in encouraging young writers was at the heart of everything he shared.

It makes the connection between John and this prize particularly special.

Continuing his story

John Marsden died in late 2024, but what he gave to young readers and writers continues.

The John Marsden Story Prize honours that legacy by doing something John spent much of his life doing - encouraging young people to write.

To experiment. To imagine. To trust their ideas.

And, most importantly, to find their own voice.

This prize celebrates the next generation of Australian storytellers.

Maybe that's you.

Photograph courtesy of Dave May, ABC News

Writing tips

Here are some useful tips about writing, how to start, getting help, editing and much more, with links to writers offering support

About Fiction

Your story is the work of your imagination. It is not based on facts, but your readers should find it believable. Invent characters and give them their own distinct voice and  experiences. Put them in a setting, and make something happen. You will need to come up with problems for your characters, but also solutions that are credible. Name everything, i.e. be specific and provide details. John once said, don’t write "The car went down the street," but "The old green Ford Mustang drove down Nixon Avenue."

More resources to get started:

“Be specific. Instead of ‘The car went down the street’

try ‘The old green Ford Mustang drove down Nixon Avenue’.

- John Marsden

We want to hear from the next crop of Australian storytellers!

If you're in Years 7–12, the John Marsden Story Prize is your chance to turn that idea into a story — and put your writing out into the world.

Whether you've been writing for years, have a half-finished story hiding somewhere on your laptop, or have never shared your writing with anyone before, we want to hear from you.

We're looking for imagination. Original ideas. Great characters. Stories that surprise us, move us, make us laugh, make us think — or take us somewhere we haven't been before.

Most of all, we're looking for your story, told in your voice.

>Download Full Terms & Conditions Here <

  • Who can enter?

    Young writers of high-school age can enter in one of our three age categories:

    1. Year 7 & Year 8

    2. Year 9 & Year 10

    3. Year 11 & Year 12

    If you are not currently attending school, please enter the most appropriate category by age.

    Entrants must reside in Australia.

  • What can I write about?

    This is a prize for fiction writing.

    You can write about any topic you like.

    The story should be in prose format, that is, a narrative that flows in sentences and paragraphs.

    It must be your work. Artificial Intelligence must not be used to create any part of the work.

  • Nitty Gritty

    500 words maximum

    One entry per person

    It must be your own work and not previously published

    We ask that you provide a representative to certify that it is your own work (such as your English teacher).

  • How to enter?

    Entry is FREE

    Submit your entry using the online form below.

    PDF or Word documents preferred.

    Name your file clearly with the age category, your name, and story title (see T&C)

    Entries close 11.59pm AEDT on Monday 31 August 2026

    No late entries accepted.