The Paper Lanterns Teen Short Story Competition
in Association with Tertulia Books
We’re delighted to hold an annual short story competition with Tertulia Books in Westport since 2021. Young writers from all over Ireland compete for prizes of €250, sponsored by Tertulia. There are two categories, 13-15 years and 16-18 years, and every year an acclaimed YA author joins us as a guest judge. It is fascinating to see such varied and interesting responses to each theme. We are blown away by the creativity and talent of the young people on this island. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner per category. If your story has not been chosen or shortlisted, don’t be discouraged, and do keep writing.
2022 Competition
Theme: Belonging
Guest Judge: Claire Hennessy
Junior Category
2022 Winner:
Chosen Belonging by Leonie Hanan (age 14)
2022 Runners-Up:
The Memories She Made by Ava Bracken (age 13)
We All Belong Somewhere by Kaila Patterson (age 14)
Senior Category
2022 Winner:
In January by Grace McNally (age 18)
2022 Runners-Up:
Penelope by Wiktoria Willer (age 16)
Belonging by Rebecca Downey (age 16)
2021 Competition
Theme: Waves
Guest Judge: Deirdre Sullivan
Junior Category
2021 Winner:
Waves by Éabha Coghlan (age 13)
2021 Runners-Up:
Sink or Swim by Ella Jones Bourke (age 14)
Without A Second Thought by Ella Conway (age 15)
Senior Category
2021 Winner:
Our Footsteps in the Sand by Eavan O’Keefe (age 17)
2021 Runners-Up:
Carrowniskey Dreamer by Joe Reidy (age 17)
A Man and the Waves by Beth Ann Wilson (age 17)
