Autumn is here in New Zealand and with it comes March Madness – the time when everyone really gears up for work, Universities go back and the school term is in full swing.
This March my plans have been a little derailed as the unexpected (but undeniably welcome) happened…
I got shortlisted for the Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Manuscript Award!!
In association with Scholastic New Zealand, this award recognises an outstanding children’s original junior novel manuscript (8 – 12 yrs). It is open to both published and unpublished writers who meet NZ residency requirements. In line with international best practice, the award is judged ‘blind’ with the winner taking home a cash prize and assurance of publication by Scholastic New Zealand.
I’m also in the running for the Storylines new writer’s award for an unpublished writer shortlisted for the Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award.
Now I’m off to the Storylines Margaret Mahy National Awards Day 2026 at the end of the month where eleven awards will be presented.
For further details visit https://www.storylines.org.nz/award/storylines-tom-fitzgibbon-award/
I’ve been inspired and have put aside my other writing projects and am now currently plotting a sequel to the manuscript that has been shortlisted while I wait for the Awards!
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Happy Reading xxx