Writing Competition 2026
Write your original take on the Lit Fest 2026 theme, Mouth Open, Story Jump Out. Open to writers of every age — from three-year-olds telling stories in pictures to adults writing poetry, fiction and non-fiction — with categories for the Virgin Islands and one open to the world.
What to write
Whichever form you choose, your piece should show your own original take on the festival theme, Mouth Open, Story Jump Out.
Adult and Youth Poetry
Poets will use literary devices that may include metaphor, alliteration, internal or end rhyme, personification and other strategies to write a poem that clearly demonstrates their original take on the theme for Lit Fest 2026, Mouth Open, Story Jumps Out.
Adult and Youth Fiction
Fiction writers will use literary devices that may include imagery, metaphor, personification, foreshadowing or other strategies to write a short story that clearly demonstrates their original take on the theme for Lit Fest 2026, Mouth Open, Story Jump Out.
Adult and Youth "The BVI Beacon" Non-Fiction
For The BVI Beacon Non-Fiction Prize, inspired by the theme Mouth Open, Story Jump Out, compose a factual article, essay or interview about the Virgin Islands sparked by a newsworthy event, family tale or community encounter. Celebrate the power of storytelling to inform, inspire and keep our heritage alive.
Youngster (10-13), Children (7-9) and Early Years (3-7)
Our youngest entrants tell visual stories through drawings or pictures, on their own or mixed with written components.
Categories and prizes
Enter the category that matches your age on the submission deadline. Every BVI winner takes home a cash prize or book voucher, and the adult categories include a festival workshop place.
BVI Adult Poetry
$250 cashTicket to Book Brunch + Poetry Workshop + Publication in Moko Magazine
BVI Adult Fiction
$250 cashTicket to Book Brunch · Prose Workshop + Publication in Moko Magazine
The BVI Beacon Non-Fiction
$200 cashTicket to Book Brunch + Journalism Workshop + Publication in BVI Beacon
BVI Youth
$250 cashTicket to Book Brunch + Saturday Workshop + Publication in BVI Beacon
BVI Youngster
$150 voucherFor book purchases + Publication in BVI Beacon
BVI Children
$150 voucherFor book purchases + Publication in BVI Beacon
BVI Early Years
$100 voucherFor book purchases + Publication in BVI Beacon
International Adult
Full festival passAll BVI Lit Fest 2027 events (flight and lodging not included) + Publication in Moko Magazine
When winners are announced
Send us your entry
Email your submission to litfest@hlscc.edu.vg by 15 October 2026. Tell us your name, age and the category you are entering.