If I stay released today

If I stay has just released in NZ cinemas. Reviewers loved this book by Gayle Forman – “gripping, heartbreaking, emotional cruncher, superb writing” ... If you loved Before I die by Jenny Downham, or The fault in our stars by John Green, this is for you. Check it out from Timaru,  Temuka or Geraldine Libraries, grab some tissues and read it – then the sequel – Where she went. In the meantime take a look at the free sample pages at Random House. Enjoy!

Stress-free Study

 

It’s that time again – exams, deadlines, study and stress.  If you need some help but don’t know where to start, take a look at some of these sites or check the databases on our website.

Revise Online is a New Zealand page that gives you their Top 10 exam tips.

StudyIt is the site for NCEA students, with forums and posts about NCEA maths, science and English, plus this page on Study and Exam Advice.

 Study Guide Zone  is a resource directory with lots of useful study stuff – like hints on essay writing, learning types, study skills and classroom learning help.

 Don’t forget to check out the libraries’ Study Guide collections.  Held at Timaru, Temuka and Geraldine Libraries, these have the latest Study Guides for NCEA subjects at most levels.

 Stress – a little bit of stress is a good thing… yeah right! Check this BBC stress page to find out about stress symptoms and how to manage them. Again take a look in your local library – we have lots of books to help you with learn to cope with stress, and thousands more great titles to escape into!  

So you always wanted to be a writer?

 Do it now – the 2014 Re-Draft teen writing competition is underway!  This is a NZ national competition for teenagers only, and

• entry is free
• up to three entries permitted per person
• creative writing in any genre accepted
• no word limits, but entries must be suitable for publication in an anthology
• deadline is 30th September
• publication is the prize
• winning entries formally published in book form, placing on permanent record the early promise of emerging writers
• judged with compassion and wisdom by Tessa Duder & James Norcliffe
• 2014 entry form and competition guidelines in the back of Mad Honey

Take a look at last year’s winners in Mad Honey – the 13^thcollection of the best teenage writing around! Ask for Mad Honey at your Timaru, Temuka or Geraldine libraries.

 

But wait there's more: it's the 2014 Sunday Star-Times Short Story Awards

Launched in 1984 with a vision to recognise and encourage the talent of aspiring New Zealand writers, these Awards are a key part of the New Zealand literary calendar.

Secondary School Division (3000 word limit) | Winner: $1000 cash plus an additional prize package

Entries are now open and competition closes 5pm Friday 26 September, 2014.

Go to sundaystartimes.co.nz for terms and conditions and to download the entry form. Write on!