D.H. Lawrence Children's Prize: Writing Competition

The D.H. Lawrence Children’s Prize: Writing Competition

To celebrate World Book Day on 6 March 2025, the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is launching this year’s writing competition. The competition's theme is 'Animals', taking inspiration from D.H. Lawrence’s Lawrence’s collection of animal poetry such as ‘Snake’ and ‘Baby Tortoise’, entrants are invited to write a short story or poem or centered around the theme ‘Animals’.

Who can take part?

There will be 3 age categories; age 7 and under, age 8-11 and age 12-16. First prize in each category will win a Kindle, with runner up and highly commended prizes of up to £50 in National Book Tokens. 

Word count

The maximum word count is 500 words.  There is no minimum word count.

Deadline

The deadline for all entries is Saturday 31 May 2025. 

All Prize Winners will be notified by 2 July and successful entrants will be invited to an awards ceremony at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum on 2 August 2025, and have their work entered into a digital exhibition later on in August.

Submission Forms

Individual entries can be submitted here (opens in a new window).

School and group entries can be submitted here (opens in a new window).