Article date:  28/08/2009

A short story competition launched by leading stationery brand uni-ball in partnership with award winning author Michelle Harrison. Complete the story below for your chance to win a fantastic range of prizes. Open to anyone aged 16 or under.

I only found out by accident. Ever since, I've been on edge. Waiting. A bit like when there's a sluggish day in the summer: grey, too warm, airless, and the only thing that will clear the atmosphere is a good storm.

Half of the problem is what I know, and the other half is how I know it. I wasn't supposed to find out - because I shouldn't have been there. Now I don't know what to do or how to act. I've never been much good at pretending.

Whatever I do, I need to think fast. I can hear footsteps on the stairs and I'm pretty sure I know who it is. Do they know that I know? Something tells me I'm about to find out . . .

Michelle Harrison, winner of the 2009 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, has kindly written the above opening of the story for you to complete in no more than 1,000 words.

The deadline for entries will be September 25 2009.

HOW TO ENTER

Send in your completed entries to the uni-ball press office, Connect PR, The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT. Alternatively you can email your story into letters@connect-group.com.

PRIZES

1st prize: £150 Waterstone's voucher, a signed copy of Thirteen Treasures and a bumper back to school stationery pack

2nd prize: £75 Waterstone's voucher, back to school stationery pack

3rd prize: £20 Waterstone's voucher, back to school stationery pack

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