The Fresh Fiction Writing Competition invited young Australian writers aged 7–17 to submit original fiction inspired by the 2025 theme “The Seasons.” Stories were to be between 500 and 1,000 words, with separate categories for Kids (7–12) and Teens (13–17).

• Kids (7–12) Winner: $150
• Teens (13–17) Winner: $300

Submissions closed on 1 June 2025, with winners announced in Term 3, 2025 (Victorian school term).

2025 WINNERS 

Read Anaayah Jain’s Winning Entry: Laila’s First Day

Read Phoebe Ladomery’s Winning Entry: The First Winter

2024 WINNERS 

Read Zoe Wensor’s Winning Entry: I Believe

Read Sophie Nikolarakos’ Winning Entry: Children Of Nowhere

PAST WINNERS 

2022 Winners

2023 Winners

The Fresh Fiction Writing Competition invited Australian writers aged 18 and over to craft original fiction pieces inspired by the theme “A Touch of Magic.” Participants submitted stories between 500 and 1,000 words for a chance to win prizes:

• 1st Place: $500
• 2nd Place: 5 free entries to Write Nights or Write Ins
• 3rd Place: 3 free entries to Write Nights or Write Ins

Submissions closed on 23rd November 2024, with winners announced in December 2024.

2024 Winner

Reach Mike Pearson’s Winning Entry: That Magical Smile

In 2023, Melbourne Young Writers’ Studio 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

This prize was created to nurture young talent and give emerging writers the incredible opportunity to see their ideas transformed into a published book.

The Publishing Prize offered:

• 4 private mentoring sessions with expert story mentors to help develop your story idea.
• Your very own published book, professionally designed and typeset.
• 20 printed copies of your masterpiece to share and cherish!

To qualify for entry, writers who enrolled in our Earlybird offer for Semester 1, 2025, by December 31, 2024, were eligible.

The 2025 winners are…

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)

Enigma (or 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! 🎉📚

And let’s not forget our amazing shortlisted applicants!

8-12 Category

• Rosie Xiong
• Alyssa Vincent
• Isabel Morgan
• Alena Veltre

13-17 Catego

• Leila Rafferty-Gould
• Lila Dymott-Khuong
• Zaynab Syed
• Neve McSweeney
• Sadie Crane

These young writers all stood out with their creativity and dedication, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work. We know they’ll continue to shine in their writing journeys. Keep up the fantastic work!