Write an animal story for the Mumsnet and Walker Books writing competition

[RachelMumsnet]

Do you secretly have a book inside you? Would you like to see it published?

Do you love making up stories for children? Why not enter this year's Mumsnet, Gransnet and Walker Books writing competition and see your story published in a beautifully illustrated gift book?

Last year we ran an incredibly successful writing competition to find 10 inspiring and original bedtime stories. Hundreds of people entered and the 10 winning stories were chosen by former Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen, and published in The Book of Bedtime Stories. The book was recently listed first in The Independent's top children's books for 2013, described as "beautifully produced ... could be a collector's item".

Mumsnet, Gransnet and Walker Books are now very excited to be launching the competition for its second year. This year, the theme will be animal stories. We want you to submit your stories before Monday 6 January. This year we have a judging panel - full details yet to be revealed but this will include previous Children's Laureate, Anthony Browne.

Find out how to enter this fabulous competition. For inspiration and to read winning stories, get your hands on a copy of The Mumsnet Book of Bedtime Stories.

:(

Oh plops. I'll try again next time. Should have eaten the chocolate in the cupboard anyway. Here I go!

#16. The Hedgehog Who Wouldn't Sleep was shortlisted last year, too: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/creative_writing/a1575240-Mumsnet-Walker-books-bedtime-stories-competition-see-your-story-published. Interesting. (And yes - I'm just bitter).

I should have stated mine was a true story-that might of swung it :)

MNHQ, was I, perchance, disqualified for (seemingly) blowing up a pig? (he was actually fine, it was just a paper bag that burst).

oh feel so deflated. I need a chunk of your chocolate MummInDaHouse :(

615 people feeling now. Including me

Joining the disappointed gang! I have broken into the biscuits. Huge congratulations to those who made the shortlist!

Mimi121, BookWorm37, PatsysPyjamas, JustBarking, Stayathomegardener, Psrra233C and the other 608 people crying into their computer keyboards, I am popping some hardcore choc in the post right now. It is laced with vodka.

MummyInDaHouse MWAH!

Would be great, but I know not feasible, if we could have personal feedback on our stories. Maybe best not to know (talking for me)!!!

And WELL DONE those who made the shortlist. (No, that wasn't written through gritted knuckles, honest.)

Self feedback : I'm pretty sure blowing up a pig in my story was not a good idea.

Yep Well Done as well from me - through gritted teeth!

LOL - by contrast mine was probably too gentle!!

Thanks mummy, much appreciated!
Exactly Mimi- it would be nice to know why it wasn't chosen and for it to be acknowledged in some way, I guess that would be impractical given the volume of rejections though .

I know, it would be completely impractical for them to offer feedback on the 615 entries that didn't make it, but aren't you just desperate to know whether yours was an 'almost' or a 'no chance'?

Thanks for the vodka chocolate Mummy!

I imagine this is how Jk Rowling must have felt when she got her first rejection letter

Patsy, yes would love to know- even if mine was in the 'no chance' category, at least I could change style, characters etc and be better informed for next time.
I was all geared up to write a series of short stories about my Lab puppy and her mum, lost motivation now.

Yes indeed, this is exactly how I felt when my first Harry P book was rejected. Erm.... I mean... not... not that I'm actually J.K.Rowling in disguise... erm... oops.

Well done to everyone who entered the competition and well done to those who were short listed! I'll not let my story not being chosen phase me! Onwards and upwards! ;)

BookWorm37 Don't give up! You believed in your idea before! Don't let not being chosen out of 635 entries stop you from carrying on!! :)

I know MJ I need to stop being mardy and keep going.
Well done to those short listed by the way!

So sorry that we're unable to offer feedback on the stories that didn't make it through - but with 635 entries this obv isn't possible. However, we will be posting up some general feedback from the team at Walker Books over the next few days. Sorry to those who are disappointed the standard was really high and it was very difficult to come to a decision.

Still nothing,then?