Dozens of Berkhamsted authors turned up to support the launch of a writing competition in the town last Wednesday (April 30).
Adults and schoolchildren are being encouraged to stir up their imaginations to write a 500 word short story for The Berkhamsted Writing competition.
There are several different categories to enter and the winner from each will have their work pub
lished on the Gazette website, www.hemeltoday.co.uk.
Book vouchers will also be up for grabs and the overall winning story will be printed in the Berkhamsted and Tring Gazette.
The competition has been organised by Berkhamsted Library, Waterstone's on the High Street and Alison Baverstock, a former resident and author of 16 books.
Speaking at the launch event at Waterstone's last week, Alison urged the community to get involved and praised the town for its strong literary tradition which she said is still very much alive.
She explained: "It's really important to be launching here in the book shop where we are surrounded by books.
"I believe that writing and reading are very interlinked, and you can't write without being a strong reader."
Judging the competition is Gazette editor Adam Hollier, author Louise Allen, Alison Baverstock, Berkhamsted Waterstone's manger Lisa Piselli, and the sales director of publishers A&C Black David Wightman.
The format of the competition is based on a version Alison helped set up in Kingston where she now lives.
It costs £5 to enter which will be donated to The Hospice of St Francis.
Entry forms can be picked up at Berkhamsted library, Waterstone's or any of the hospice shops in the town.
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