Do you have a story, poem, or play waiting to be written? This Halloween, inspire&ignite invites young writers across regional Western NSW to share their imagination in the Halloween Youth Writing Challenge 2025.
Our theme is The Doorway, and how you interpret it is completely up to you. Literal or figurative, strong or subtle, even the thinnest link counts. Your doorway might open to horror, fantasy, sci-fi, dystopia, gothic strangeness, or something entirely unexpected.
We encourage diverse perspectives and voices, including those of First Nations people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disability.
Entry is free, open to ages 16–30, and limited to those living in regional Western NSW (Central West, Orana, and Far West).
What you can submit
Choose one:
- Play or Monologue — up to 8 pages, maximum 4 characters (include a character list with short descriptions).
- Poem — up to 300 words.
- Short story — up to 1000 words.
No minimum length. All entries must be suitable for a PG/M (15+) audience (no excessive sex, profanity, violence, or gore). Works must not be substantially generated by AI.
“We’re not looking for polished perfection — we’re looking for fresh voices and bold ideas.”
How to enter
Email your work to create@igniteregional.com.au as either:
- an attachment (Word, RTF, or other editable format), or
- a shareable link (e.g., Google Doc with permissions enabled).
In the body of your email, please include:
- Your name (as you would like it published)
- Your preferred pronouns
- Your age
- Your email address
- Your town/city and postcode
- One sentence explaining how your work links to The Doorway
Entries close Monday 22 September 2025, at 11:59 pm AEST.
What happens next
- Selected works will each receive $50.
- They will be performed live at the UNBOXED Creative Session on Thursday 30 October 2025.
- Performances will be recorded and released on the Studio 138 Presents podcast.
- Selections will be announced on or before 1 October 2025 at igniteregional.com.au and via Studio 138’s Facebook and Instagram.
UNBOXED Creative Sessions are hosted by Studio 138 and made possible through the support of Dubbo Regional Council.
Rights & permissions
- Writers retain all rights to their work.
- Studio 138 is granted a non-exclusive licence to:
- perform works live,
- record and distribute performances in podcast/audio form, and
- create derivative works such as illustrations or promotional materials.
- Because this licence is non-exclusive, you are free to publish or use your work elsewhere at any time.
Key dates at a glance
- Entries close: Mon 22 September 2025, 11:59 pm AEST
- Selections announced: On or before 1 October 2025
- Live reading: Thu 30 October 2025
- Podcast release: November 2025 (TBC)
Need help?
If you have questions about eligibility, accessibility, or how to submit, email us at create@igniteregional.com.au.
Step up to The Doorway. What lies beyond is yours to imagine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to write horror?
No, but your work should sit within a speculative or genre tradition. That could mean horror, fantasy, sci-fi, dystopia, gothic, uncanny, or even a realist story told with a strange or unsettling edge. As long as it connects to The Doorway, it’s welcome.
Does my piece have to be set at Halloween?
Not at all. The competition runs at Halloween, but your work doesn’t have to be about Halloween itself.
Can I enter more than one piece?
Yes — you may enter up to two pieces total. Please send each in a separate email with all required details included.
Can I enter with a friend?
Yes, collaborative works are allowed. Make sure both writers’ names, ages, towns/postcodes, and emails are included in the entry.
Do I have to live in Dubbo?
No. The competition is open to anyone aged 16–30 living in regional Western NSW (Central West, Orana, or Far West).
Do I keep the rights to my work?
Yes. You keep all rights. Studio 138 only asks for a non-exclusive licence to perform, record, and share your work as part of the project. You can publish it elsewhere at any time.
Will my work be edited?
Possibly. Selected works may receive light edits for clarity or performance purposes, in conversation with you where possible.
What if I’ve never entered a writing competition before?
Perfect — this challenge is for emerging and experimenting writers. No prior experience needed.
How will the works be judged?
Entries will be read by a panel of 3–4 judges. Works are considered against three main criteria:
- Response to the theme (The Doorway) — how creatively the work connects to the theme (even a very thin link is fine).
- Creativity and originality — fresh ideas, distinctive voice, or surprising approach.
- Clarity and impact of expression — does the piece communicate effectively and leave an impression?
Entries must also be suitable for a PG/M (15+) audience.
The judges use their professional judgement, so there’s no single formula — originality and diversity of voices are valued alongside quality.