Events & Competitions
{"id":74960371772,"title":"Introducing the Dragonfly Children's Story Competition 2018!","created_at":"2018-04-11T16:26:44+01:00","body_html":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"dragonfly 2018 short story competition\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/files\/DF_Story_Logo_v03_wide_e6445751-cbd7-4fb6-b42d-8f5ab0604688_1024x1024.jpg?v=1527847628\" style=\"float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePop the kettle on and sharpen your pencils, it's time for the 2018 \u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eDragonfly Tea Children's Story Competition! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter receiving so many fantastic stories from children across the UK last year, we are very excited to launch our 2018 children's writing competition for creative young minds from 5-15 years old. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis year our theme is\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wild Garden\u003c\/strong\u003e so let your imagination take flight! We look forward to reading tales of wilderness; from exotic jungles full of mystery to secret gardens high in the misty mountains (where our tea grows), and even your very own garden pond, where you may spot a Dragonfly or two! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are three age categories (ages 5-7, 8-11, 12-15) with winners from each receiving book vouchers for themselves and their schools. Shortlisted entries will be read and reviewed by our outstanding panel of judges, Baroness Floella Benjamin and\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eHugless Douglas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecreator David Melling. Finalists from all categories will be invited to the Henley Literary Festival on Sunday 7th October for a special awards ceremony and prize giving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are delighted to again be working with the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"henley story festival\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHenley Literary Festival\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, and are proud to announce that this year we are partnering for the first time with \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Beanstalk children's charity\"\u003eBeanstalk\u003c\/a\u003e,\u003c\/strong\u003e the national literacy charity for children. Beanstalk recruit, train and support volunteers across England to work in schools with children who have fallen behind with their reading, helping them to express themselves with confidence and introducing them to the wonderful world of storytelling. You can support this fantastic organisation by making a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdfunder.co.uk\/readgrowthrivewithbeanstalk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"beanstalk donation\"\u003edonation \u003c\/a\u003eto Beanstalk - simply mention \"Dragonfly Tea\" in the comments box when you donate and Dragonfly Tea will match your contribution! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"2018 short story competition partners\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/files\/Charity_and_Henley_joined_1024x1024.png?v=1527847130\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis competition has now closed. \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheme\u003c\/strong\u003e: The Wild Garden \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWord Limit\u003c\/strong\u003e: 500 words\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge groups\u003c\/strong\u003e: 5-7, 8-11, 12-15\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrizes\u003c\/strong\u003e: £50 voucher for each winner plus £100 voucher for their school.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClosing date for all entries is\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e11:59pm Tuesday 31st July 2018\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStories must be submitted by an adult (parent \/ guardian or the child’s teacher who has obtained consent from the child’s parent or guardian)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you wish to submit your entry by post, please print off the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/t\/5\/assets\/postal_entry_form.pdf?11824316751290423170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"short story postal entry form\"\u003ePostal Entry Form\u003c\/a\u003e, fill in the details and send this along with your story to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDragonfly Story Competition, PO Box 125 Newbury, Berkshire RG20 9LY.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/t\/5\/assets\/postal_entry_form.pdf?11824316751290423170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"dragonfly tea postal entry link\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePostal entry link\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you upload your entry make sure you have read the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dragonflytea.com\/blogs\/our-blog\/introducing-the-dragonfly-story-competition-2018\" title=\"Competition rules, terms and conditions\"\u003eRules, Terms \u0026amp; Conditions\u003c\/a\u003e – failure to comply may result in disqualification, so please read this part carefully. You can also read our competition \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dragonflytea.com\/blogs\/our-blog\/introducing-the-dragonfly-story-competition-2018\" title=\"privacy policy\"\u003ePrivacy Policy here. \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: red;\"\u003eThis competition has now closed.\u003c\/strong\u003e","blog_id":3090709,"author":"Becky Maynard","user_id":23825924,"published_at":"2018-05-31T16:27:00+01:00","updated_at":"2021-10-25T16:47:13+01:00","summary_html":"\u003cp\u003ePop the kettle on and sharpen your pencils, it's time for the 2018 Dragonfly Tea Children's Story Competition! \u003c\/p\u003e","template_suffix":"","handle":"introducing-the-dragonfly-story-competition-2018","tags":"featured, product-dragon-well-green-tea, short-story, type:Events \u0026 Competitions","image":{"created_at":"2018-06-01T11:16:52+01:00","alt":"dragonfly tea short story comp 2018","width":1920,"height":1271,"src":"\/\/dragonflytea.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/DF_Story_Logo_v03_wide.jpg?v=1531818343"}}
//dragonflytea.com/cdn/shop/articles/DF_Story_Logo_v03_wide_500x500.jpg?v=1531818343
false
/blogs/our-blog/introducing-the-dragonfly-story-competition-2018
Pop the kettle on and sharpen your pencils, it's time for the 2018 Dragonfly Tea Children's Story Competition!
Events & Competitions
{"id":1441005598,"title":"Announcing the 2017 Short Story Winners!","created_at":"2017-10-09T10:39:58+01:00","body_html":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/files\/story_main.jpg?v=1504799577\" style=\"margin-right: 27.3333px; margin-left: 27.3333px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinally the wait is over! It's been an exciting few months here at Dragonfly and we are very happy to share with you the winners of the 2017 Dragonfly Tea Short Story Competition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the third year of our competition, run in association with the Henley Literary Festival, and we received an amazing 1300 entries across the adult and children's categories on the themes of \u003cem\u003eJourney\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMaps.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a tough judging process, our shortlisted entrants were invited to a very special Awards Ceremony at Henley Town Hall, where Dragonfly's Georgia Ginsberg and short story judge Helen Lederer announced this year's winners to a rapt audience. See below for the names of our worthy winners!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Draginfly Tea 2017 short story winners\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/files\/winners_low_res_1024x1024.JPG?v=1507651067\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"comp_winners_2016\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #05a88e;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #666666;\"\u003ePhoto Credit: Scarlet Page \/ Henley Literary Festival\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #05a88e;\"\u003eMain Competition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"adults_winners announced\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"winners final\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"position\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e1st Prize \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eAimee White\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eGeneration Lotus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"position\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJoint 2nd Prize \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eJulie Hayman\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eGold\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"margin: .25em 0; display: inline-block;\"\u003e\u0026amp;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eAnita Goveas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\"\u003eThe Bombay Flying Club \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- adults_winners --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #05a88e;\"\u003eChildren's 12-15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"adults_winners announced\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"winners final\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"position\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e1st Prize \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eJessica Griffiths\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\"\u003eMaps\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"position\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHighly Commended \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eHenry Hindle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eSarcophagus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"margin: .25em 0; display: inline-block;\"\u003e\u0026amp;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eAnna Hughes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\"\u003eIn Plain Sight\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- adults_winners --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #05a88e;\"\u003eChildren's 8-11\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"adults_winners announced\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"winners final\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"position\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJoint 1st Prize \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eRose Wakefield\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"story-title\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eThe World at my Fingertips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"margin: .25em 0; display: inline-block;\"\u003e\u0026amp;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eShreya Ghorpade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\"\u003eThe Map of Wealth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"position\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHighly Commended \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eDaniel Beesley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\"\u003eThe Treasure Hunt\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- adults_winners --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #05a88e;\"\u003eChildren's 4-7\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"adults_winners announced\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"winners final\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"position\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e1st Prize \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eCora Batchelor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\"\u003eThe Magic Fidget Spinner \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"position\"\u003e \u003cspan class=\"icon\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHighly Commended \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eAlice Keen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\"\u003eFinding True Treasure \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"margin: .25em 0; display: inline-block;\"\u003e\u0026amp;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"name\"\u003eEmma Blake \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cspan class=\"story-title\"\u003ePirate's Stole My Bunny\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- adults_winners --\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003eCongratulations to all of our winners and runners up, and an enormous thank you to everyone who entered a story - we loved reading them! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003eThis year we have published two booklets with all of the shortlisted stories, if you'd like us to send you a copy of the children's, adults or both, please send an email to \u003ca href=\"mailto:hello@dragonflytea.com\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Email dragonfly tea\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ehello@dragonflytea.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dragonfly short story competition books 2017\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/files\/booklets_large.JPG?v=1507541785\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp align=\"center\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":3090709,"author":"Becky Maynard","user_id":23825924,"published_at":"2017-10-12T13:22:00+01:00","updated_at":"2021-05-10T16:49:30+01:00","summary_html":"\u003cspan\u003eFinally the wait is over! It's been an exciting few months here at Dragonfly and we are very happy to share with you the winners of the 2017 Dragonfly Tea Short Story Competition. \u003c\/span\u003e","template_suffix":"","handle":"announcing-the-2017-short-story-winners","tags":"product-vanilla-rooibos, short-story, type:Events \u0026 Competitions","image":{"created_at":"2020-11-30T18:56:55+00:00","alt":"","width":680,"height":438,"src":"\/\/dragonflytea.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/story_main_2048x2048_0820a897-a07c-43ce-9a39-d70efa519dae.jpg?v=1606762616"}}
//dragonflytea.com/cdn/shop/articles/story_main_2048x2048_0820a897-a07c-43ce-9a39-d70efa519dae_500x500.jpg?v=1606762616
false
/blogs/our-blog/announcing-the-2017-short-story-winners
Finally the wait is over! It's been an exciting few months here at Dragonfly and we are very happy to share with you the winners of the 2017 Dragonfly Tea Short Story Competition.
Events & Competitions
{"id":354848200,"title":"Irenosen Okojie discusses her thoughts and tips on writing","created_at":"2017-06-02T11:18:58+01:00","body_html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLast year, Irenosen Okojie was a wonderful judge on our Short Story Competition panel. To help inspire this year's entrants, we've asked Irenosen to share her thoughts and tips on writing:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Irenosen Okojie\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/files\/Irenosen_2_medium.jpg?v=1496398274\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do you write?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverywhere! I carry small notebooks around with me. I write a lot in my bedroom. If I'm feeling properly writerly, I'll go to a cafe or a space I find interesting. Somewhere I can people watch and listen in to conversations inconspicuously. Writing is the perfect outlet for my constant curiosity about people and how intriguing they are.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat was your favourite book as a child?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnything by Dr Seuss, Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e....and your favourite book as an adult?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToo many! Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is right up there, anything by Toni Morrison, everything by James Baldwin, as is Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat book are you reading right now?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeone Ross's short story collection, Come Let Us Sing Anyway. She's a beautiful conjurer. I really like what she does as a writer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eCan you name one example of a perfect short story? Something you'd recommend our entrants read?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Vodka, from Deborah Levy's collection Black Vodka. It's illuminating, sad, funny, strange and well crafted. It's everything I love in a short story, perfectly contained but with the emotional weight and impact of a longer work. I'm a big Deborah Levy fan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat has been your most memorable journey?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGoing on a road trip with my dad to Benin when researching my novel, Butterfly Fish. It reminded me how charismatic, adventurous, hilarious and surprising he is. Benin itself was hugely evocative. Being in Nigeria again; the vibrancy, the food, the music, the heat, the languages, it was like an assault on the senses in the best way.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere do you find inspiration for a story? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverywhere. I try to keep my eyes and ears open because human beings are so gloriously odd. Even the ones that think they're not. I have a very skewed imagination. I think that really shows in my collection, Speak Gigantular. Obviously reading other writers is a good tip but read writers that are out of your comfort zone too. I really enjoy films and immersive theatre experiences so feeding myself from different mediums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do you celebrate finishing writing a story?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery often with a treat! A nice meal out or a wander around a part of the city I'm not that familiar with. When I'm writing short stories, I try to treat myself to at least two experiences a week. It keeps me excited, curious about the world and that feeds into the writing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is your favourite cup of tea?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI love a good Peppermint tea! Peppermint tea and Viennese whirls, too good!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are your writing rituals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI always write early in the mornings, I never write for more than three hours at time. I usually buy bright, striking notebooks because psychologically it makes you want to fill the pages. I walk our dog in between writing stints, it's excellent thinking time or great for solving any issues, plot or otherwise because things just come to you. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is your number-one writing tip? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon't over analyse the process, just keep going. Find ways to reward yourself and keep things interesting. Remember that every writer you ever admired writes at least a few drafts of each book. Writing can be magical. Remember to enjoy it. Let it take as long as it needs to. Don't follow trends. Don't adhere to anybody's expectations or rules. Make up your own. Do what works for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIrenosen Okojie is a writer and Arts Project Manager. Her debut novel, Butterfly Fish won a Betty Trask Award. Her short story collection, Speak Gigantular was shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize, is longlisted for the Edgehill Short Story Prize, shortlisted for the Saboteur Awards and nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.irenosenokojie.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"www.irenosenokojie.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewww.irenosenokojie.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/IrenosenOkojie\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Irenosen Okojie Twitter\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e@IrenosenOkojie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dragonflytea.com\/blogs\/our-blog\/dragonfly-tea-short-story-competition-2017\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dragonfly Tea 2017 competition\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/files\/Logo_676cd9f6-63f1-47c3-a971-70c9167dbecd_small.png?v=1496239815\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dragonflytea.com\/blogs\/our-blog\/dragonfly-tea-short-story-competition-2017\" title=\"Short story competiton 2017\"\u003eFind our more about our 2017 Short Story Competition here \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":3090709,"author":"Becky Maynard","user_id":23825924,"published_at":"2017-06-12T15:39:00+01:00","updated_at":"2021-10-25T16:51:59+01:00","summary_html":"Last year, Irenosen Okojie was a wonderful judge on our Short Story Competition panel. To help inspire this year's entrants, we've asked Irenosen to share her thoughts and tips on writing.","template_suffix":"","handle":"irenosen-okojie-interview","tags":"short-story, type:Events \u0026 Competitions","image":{"created_at":"2017-12-05T11:21:42+00:00","alt":"","width":601,"height":548,"src":"\/\/dragonflytea.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/Irenosen_3.JPG?v=1512472902"}}
//dragonflytea.com/cdn/shop/articles/Irenosen_3_500x500.JPG?v=1512472902
false
/blogs/our-blog/irenosen-okojie-interview
Last year, Irenosen Okojie was a wonderful judge on our Short Story Competition panel. To help inspire this year's entrants, we've asked Irenosen to share her thoughts and tips on writing.
Events & Competitions
{"id":286813576,"title":"Competition CLOSED : Let the Journey begin! Announcing the Dragonfly Tea Short Story Competition 2017","created_at":"2017-03-30T13:46:32+01:00","body_html":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dragonfly Tea short story competition 2017 announcement\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/6943\/files\/2017_image_vfinal_grande.jpg?v=1493818402\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"line-height: 1.75; color: #463235;\"\u003ePop the kettle on, sharpen your pencils and let your imagination take flight; it's time for Dragonfly's 2017 Short Story Competition!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter receiving over 1000 entries from across the UK last year, we are proud to announce the launch of the 2017 Dragonfly Tea Short Story Competition, in association with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Henley Literary Festival\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eHenley Literary Festival\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis year, our theme for the main competition is \u003cstrong\u003eJourney\u003c\/strong\u003e. Ever since tea chests began travelling along the fabelled spice routes, the little green leaf has been at the heart of many a journey -- from journeys of the mind, to journeys of the spirit, and of course grand journeys across the land. For our children's competition, entries are considered in three age categories (ages 4-7, 8-11, 12-15) with winners receiving book vouchers for themselves and their schools. The theme for these marvellous tales will be \u003cstrong\u003eMaps\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen to all unknown budding writers, shortlisted entries will be read and reviewed by our outstanding panel of judges including comedian and writer Helen Lederer, journalist-turned-novelist Paula Cocozza and Literary Editor at the Daily Mail Sandra Parsons. For our children's competition, Baroness Floella Benjamin and \u003cem\u003eHugless Douglas\u003c\/em\u003e creator David Melling will be picking the worthy winners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinalists from all categories will be invited to the Henley Literary Festival on Sunday 8th October 2017 for a special awards ceremony and prize giving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B'; font-weight: 500; font-style: italic; border: 2px solid #008f73; border-width: 2px 0; color: #008f73; padding: 14px 0; font-size: 24px; margin: 28px 0 12px; letter-spacing: 0.04em;\"\u003eMain Competition\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"color: #008f73; line-height: 2; padding-bottom: 6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003eTheme\u003c\/strong\u003e: Journey\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003eWord Limit\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3000 words\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003e1st Prize\u003c\/strong\u003e: £1500\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003e2nd Prize\u003c\/strong\u003e: £750\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003e3rd Prize\u003c\/strong\u003e: £500\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem style=\"color: #999;\"\u003e For full details of what is meant by a non-professional writer, please read our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/dragonflytea.com\/blogs\/our-blog\/introducing-the-dragonfly-story-competition-2018\" title=\"Short story 2017 terms and conditions\"\u003eterms and conditions\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B'; font-weight: 500; font-style: italic; border: 2px solid #dc5252; border-width: 2px 0; color: #dc5252; padding: 14px 0; font-size: 24px; margin: 28px 0 12px; letter-spacing: 0.04em;\"\u003eChildren's Competition\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"color: #dc5252; line-height: 2; padding-bottom: 6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003eTheme\u003c\/strong\u003e: Maps\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003eWord Limit\u003c\/strong\u003e: 500 words\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003eAge groups\u003c\/strong\u003e: 4-7, 8-11, 12-15\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B';\"\u003ePrizes\u003c\/strong\u003e: £50 voucher for each winner plus £100 voucher for their school.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClosing date for all entries is \u003cspan style=\"color: #cf0039;\"\u003e11:59pm Monday 31st July 2017\u003c\/span\u003e. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, if you're inspired to pen a tale, why not pop the kettle on and let your imagination lead the way...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-family: 'Gotham A','Gotham B'; font-weight: bold; border: 2px solid #ccc; border-width: 2px 0; color: #463235; padding: 10px 0; font-size: 24px; margin: 28px 0 12px; letter-spacing: 0.04em;\"\u003eENTER NOW!\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis competition is open to all non-professional writers who are UK residents.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you upload your entry make sure you have read the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/dragonfly-tea-short-story-competition-2017-rules-terms-conditions\" title=\"Competition rules, terms and conditions\"\u003eRules, Terms \u0026amp; Conditions\u003c\/a\u003e instructions – failure to comply may result in disqualification, so please read this part carefully. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeadline for entries is \u003cspan style=\"color: #cf0039;\"\u003e31st July 2017\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can upload your entry in the following file types: \u003cem\u003e.doc, .docx, .txt, .rtf and .pdf\u003c\/em\u003e. Maximum allowed file size is \u003cem\u003e2MB\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"nb\"\u003ePLEASE NOTE:\u003c\/span\u003e The title of your short story entry must also be the file name of your uploaded document. Thank you!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: red;\"\u003eThis competition has now closed.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c!--script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/form.jotformeu.com\/jsform\/70883634124356\"\u003e\u003c\/script--\u003e","blog_id":3090709,"author":"Becky Maynard","user_id":23825924,"published_at":"2017-04-01T13:35:00+01:00","updated_at":"2021-10-25T16:39:34+01:00","summary_html":"After receiving over 1000 entries from across the UK last year, we are proud to announce the launch of the 2017 Dragonfly Tea Short Story Competition, in association with \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" title=\"Henley literary festival 2017\"\u003eHenley Literary Festival\u003c\/a\u003e.","template_suffix":"","handle":"dragonfly-tea-short-story-competition-2017","tags":"exclude, featured, product-emerald-mountain-organic-green-tea, short-story, type:Events \u0026 Competitions","image":{"created_at":"2021-04-27T15:40:34+01:00","alt":"","width":800,"height":800,"src":"\/\/dragonflytea.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/Competition2-800x800-min.jpg?v=1619534435"}}
//dragonflytea.com/cdn/shop/articles/Competition2-800x800-min_500x500.jpg?v=1619534435
false
/blogs/our-blog/dragonfly-tea-short-story-competition-2017
After receiving over 1000 entries from across the UK last year, we are proud to announce the launch of the 2017 Dragonfly Tea Short Story Competition, in association with Henley Literary Festival.