#Contest 01 - "Explore PAGE ONE"

How many of you have read the first page of any novel (story book) and you were like: Nah, let’s read another book! Well, a lot of us, I guess.

Yes! That’s something most of us do. We do judge or take decisions about reading a book apparently just by reading the first page.

This super-relatable fact doesn’t really bother us much until we are no more the readers, but the writer!

Imagine to write your own novel or story book, and one of the heaviest burden you have is – to write a perfect ‘Page 01’ or the first page.

And hence, today, through the Contest “Explore PAGE ONE”, we will basically explore page 01 or the first page of your novel (story book). *pretty obvious*

Here’s what you have to do:

Hook us in a single page – your Page 01.

Simply, that’s all you have to do! But, since at the very first day, I have promised to explore everything ‘together’, let me give you some guidelines: Okay?

· Try to make sure there is enough tension in your first page so that the reader gets curious to know more.

· Try to create enough color of the character(s) to attract the readers to your character(s).

· Try to create magic and something different at the very first line.

Well, I know what you will want to do now – Google “what the first page of any novel should consist of?”

Isn’t it? Well, Google might help some of you. So, you can take that chance to get some more tips.

However, here’s what WE want from you:

WE are here to read the first page of your novel (story book) that you might write in future!

Remember, WE will ask ourselves only one question while reading your first page: How likely is the audience to turn your first page and continue reading your novel or story book?

Your first page must draw the readers in and compel them to read on.

And, most importantly, you do not write about your story, or summarize your story, but start telling a story. This Contest is to explore how well one can start telling (writing) a story.

Yes! This contest is all about exploring the first impression of the audience on your writing; because as they say “you never get a second chance to make the first impression”.

Well then, let’s get to know the rules and eligibility conditions:

· Students aged 10-19 years can only participate.

· There are two categories:

o Junior Category (10-14 years of age)

o Senior Category (15-19 years of age)

· Your entry for “Explore Page 01” must be in English.

· Submit your writing in a word file.

· Word limit for the two categories:

o Junior Category (149-249 words)

o Senior Category (249-349 words)

Word Limits are in odd numbers because you must have some odds in your Page 01 to drive your readers to continue reading!

· Please mention your full name, age, school or college name, grade, your category, your word count; and send one of your photo and a 50-words interesting auto-biography of yours, along with the attachment of your entry.

· No plagiarism. Your entries will be cancelled if issued with plagiarism.

But, you may ask, how to participate:

· Send your entries of Page 01 for “Explore PAGE ONE” contest at: joyetamoietree2006@gmail.com

Deadline for submission: 12th July, 2020 [Extended]

Are there any prizes?

Well, I don’t have much to gift you for all your amazing entries but here is what I will definitely do for you!

· Top writing(s) will be posted on my blog with proper credits, your photo and your 50-words auto-biography.

· Judges will be analyzing the excellence of your entry, which will also be posted along with your writings.

Please note:

· There will be a separate judging panel for the contest “Explore PAGE ONE”; which means I am not the only person making decisions.

· Results will be announced by 15th July, 2020.

For any queries, let me know in the comment section below.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in to write ‘Page 01’(s) that grab the readers, arise curiosity in their minds and tug their hearts to your Page 01 of your future novel (story book). Best of luck!

Eagerly looking forward to all your entries. Let’s “Explore PAGE ONE” and stay tuned with “Explore with Joyeta” for more updates!

Best wishes from,

Joyeta Moietree, Student of Grade 08, Apple Tree International School, Mirpur, Dhaka

Explore with Joyeta

Joyeta Moietree on Social Platforms- Stay tuned with my blog 'Explore with Joyeta': https://joyetamoietree2006.wixsite.com/explorewithjoyeta Find me with my educational and musical contents on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mEc9puxNfb2WjAUJ8KdvA