We are excited to announce a brand new writing competition, in partnership with Bipolar Scotland, on the theme of “Power”. The competition opens today and will allow people to enter work into categories including poems, short stories, diary/blog entries, letters and newspaper articles.

We are interested in your interpretation of the theme “Power” and encourage innovative and diverse perspectives – the limit is your imagination! Winning and highly commended entries in each category will be honoured at an awards ceremony during the Festival in October.Full details of this event will be announced with the launch of the Festival programme in September.

Speaking about the collaboration with the Festival, Alison Cairns, Chief Executive of Bipolar Scotland said:

“Bipolar Scotland is delighted to be a partner in the 2014 SMHAFF. The Festival is now an established fixture in the Scottish cultural calendar and we are proud to play our part. This writing competition has grown from smaller Bipolar Scotland events and we know how creative writing can be a powerful tool in someone’s mental health recovery. We are anticipating some excellent and inspiring pieces of writing and are very excited about this.”

Sheena Blackhall, current Makar of Aberdeen and North East Scotland and previous winner of a Bipolar Scotland led competition said:

“In brief, writing for me is power, real power, the power of the puppet master to direct and guide his own inventions. It is healing, therapy, play, enjoyment all rolled into one. Re-take power today. Write your own entry to this year’s Bipolar Short Story Competition. You may win, you may not, but at least for a time you’ll be the one in charge as you enter the lure of the page.”

Entries must be received no later than 5pm, Friday 25th July 2014.

Guidelines and entry form are available here.

Please make sure to read the guidelines carefully before submitting your work.