SABF launched its annual fiction contest on September 19 for students in 7th-12th grades across Bexar County. The 2017 story theme is “Building Bridges;” students are encouraged to submit stories about real or symbolic bridges. Full submission guidelines are available here.
The annual fiction contest, sponsored by the Texas Cavaliers, offers young writers an opportunity to showcase their creativity and win cash prizes for themselves and their schools. First place winners from each of three categories (7-8; 9-10; and 11-12 grades) receive $250 as well as $500 for their school and a spot on the Cavaliers’ float in the River Parade.
Second place winners will receive $150 and third place winners $100. All nine winners will be recognized at a special awards program at the San Antonio Book Festival on April 8. The winning stories will be published on the Festival site and in other local publications. Submissions will be accepted through January 16, 2017.
“We are excited to be celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Book Festival in 2017,” said SABF Executive Director Katy Flato. “Our festival team has spent the past months reflecting on what we’ve built for San Antonio and how to accomplish everything else we want the festival to be. As we continue to reach out to the community, the universal theme of “Building Bridges” seemed like a perfect fit for our fiction contest.”
SABF staff encourages educators to use the fiction contest as a way to promote the Book Festival at large to students. While teachers and librarians can encourage story submissions, they can also recommend that students attend the Book Festival, where they’ll be able to meet renowned authors and participate in fun activities at Geektown, the Festival’s dedicated space for teens.
“The Book Festival’s fiction contest is a unique opportunity for creative-minded students who love to write,” said Miguel Dilley, Texas Cavaliers Book Festival Liaison. “The winning submissions help showcase the great talent of San Antonio’s youth. The Cavaliers are proud to sponsor once again this inspiring program.”
The 5th Annual SABF will take place on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Central Library and Southwest School of Art. It is free and open to all. The Festival draws thousands for author presentations, panel discussions, book sales and signings, recipe demonstrations, children’s and teen activities, food trucks, and a vibrant marketplace. A schedule of all of the events will be available in March.
