Writing competitions for kids, teens and adults with cash prizes and publication on the Story Studios website and social media!
Application Window
Entries open on 24 April 2026 and close at 11.59pm on 26 June 2026.
2026 Theme
Lost and Found
Who Can Enter
Kids
Open to young writers aged 7-12 years residing in Australia OR enrolled for Semester 1, 2026.
Teens
Open to teen writers aged 13-17 years residing in Australia OR enrolled for Semester 1, 2026.
Entry is free for young writers enrolled in a Story Studios Australia weekly group or mentorship for Semester 1, 2026.
A $15 entry fee applies to all other young and teen writers.
Prizes
Kids
7-12 year olds winner to receive $150!
Teens
13-17 year olds winner to receive $300!
Winners will be announced in Term 3, 2026 (Victorian Government School Terms)
Read the full Fresh Fiction Writing Competition Guidelines 2026 here.
Past Competitions and Prizes
The Publishing Prize
This prize was designed to support and encourage young talent, giving emerging writers the opportunity to see their ideas developed into a published book. It provided participants with personalised mentoring sessions from experienced story mentors to help shape and refine their work. Winners received a professionally designed and typeset book, along with printed copies to share and keep. Eligibility was limited to young writers who enrolled through a specific early enrolment offer within our weekly programs.
The 2025 winners were…
Kiara Peries
(8-12 Category)
Up and Away by Kiara Peries is a heartwarming adventure about Sofia Ozer, a young girl craving excitement in her ordinary life. When she discovers that the brilliant inventor Mr. Mehmet is offering a free ride in his magical hot air balloon, Sofia sees a chance to explore wondrous places—including the bustling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. But first, she must convince her busy parents to join her on the adventure of a lifetime. A captivating blend of fantasy and adventure, perfect for dreamers of all ages!
Isavella Dimopoulos
(13–17 category)
Bloodline by Isavella Dimopoulos is a gothic mystery that blurs the line between dreams and reality. Twenty-five-year-old Ida Custos has been plagued by vivid, all-too-real visions since her teenage years. Now, they strike even while she’s awake—always accompanied by an eerie sense of being watched. As her nightmares take a deadly turn, she must unravel long-buried secrets and confront the past before it consumes her. Inspired by Dracula and Midnight in Paris, this haunting tale follows Ida through history in a quest to uncover the demons we all face.
Congratulations to these incredible young writers! 🎉
Fresh Fiction (Kids & Teens)
The Fresh Fiction Writing Competition is an annual event that encourages young Australian writers aged 7–17 to create and submit original short stories. Each year, the competition features a new theme to inspire creativity and fresh ideas.
2025 WINNERS
Theme: The Seasons
Read Anaayah Jain’s Winning Entry: Laila’s First Day
Read Phoebe Ladomery’s Winning Entry: The First Winter
2024 WINNERS
Theme: A Touch Of Magic
Read Zoe Wensor’s Winning Entry: I Believe
Read Sophie Nikolarakos’ Winning Entry: Children Of Nowhere
PAST WINNERS
Fresh Fiction (Adults)
The Fresh Fiction Writing Competition also includes a category for Australian writers aged 18 and over, inviting them to submit original short stories each year based on a changing theme.
2024 Winner
Theme: A Touch Of Magic
Reach Mike Pearson’s Winning Entry: That Magical Smile
UKIYO Spirit Stories
In 2023, Story Studios Australia teamed up with Ukiyo, Melbourne’s top escape room, to bring you an immersive and imaginative series of school holiday programs. The Spirit Stories Story Competition was open to those who attended in the 2023 winter school holidays.
2023 WINNERS
Read Ariana Fais’ Winning Entry: A Twisted Tale
Read Zachary Hobbs’ Winning Entry: The Shadow Wolves
