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.

I gave up chocolate for the whole of 2014. Not for the first time this year, I am regretting this big time today!

Hi Julie02

My email did:

Many thanks for entering the competition. Just to let you know that your story has been received safely and has now been sent to the judges who will be putting together their shortlist.
Anyone who makes the shortlist will be contacted directly.
Best wishes

Congrats to everyone who entered! Regardless of the outcome we are all winners :) for writing a story.
I will check back tonight lols cant keep checking like this its driving me crazy!

I've already started eating the chocolate.

Aw my email didn't say that, but I guess that we are breaking into the Cadbury then! :(

Has anyone had an email??

Thanks HIAB79 much appreciated! I'll stop checking mumsnet and get a life today! :-)

My email said this, so no mention of being contacted directly :

This email is to confirm that we have received your entry in the Animal Stories competition we are running with Walker Books. If you have submitted more than one entry through the form or via email this will also have been received.

This competition is now closed. The shortlist of 20 stories will be announced on Mumsnet on 16th January, with the winning ten revealed on 10th February.

Sorry guys I just remembered, I entered via the gransnet site so that will probably be why my confirmation email was worded slightly differently. Oh the tension! I can't wait to see the list!

Mine was the same as MummyInDaHouse. No mention of direct contact.

Into second bar of chocolate and have hit the coffee...

Patience is not my strength...

aaarrrgh! come on MNHQ the suspense is killing me!

Let's start a slow clap....

Have cracked open the vodka and started smoking again...

LOL!

C'mon... Don't keep us hanging!! My older boy, who also made me enter this competition, who is also autistic and chose the story title and contents!!! refused to go to his class this morning until I showed him the results. He was so disappointed!! At least if it is a "no", then it's a "no" and we can all relax!!!

Watermead,DD is waiting for a lunch time text too.
Please HQ just an update to confirm a time would be great

I

I haven't had an email yet and I'm almost certainly on the shortlist.

Psara233c - do you know something we don't or are you just naturally confident?!

On twitter they say '"soon we hope"(!)when asked about shortlist

Oh yes me, Psara, me too. My story had wit, drama, huge plot twist, sci fi elements, characters you could relate to, heart, soul, a musical number, really the whole package.

Haha Shirtysocks!

Every time my email in-box pings I fall off my chair.