The challenge is on. You are invited to contribute to Shambelurkling and Other Stories (poems, too), for the 8-12 year old age group, but you only have till October 30th, as I want it published with stock in my hands by the end of November (I'll launch it at our local Christmas Market - run by myself and my daughter, Emma). It does not have to be related to Christmas.

As all royalties will go to The National Autistic Society Early Bird Plus Programme, it would be good if some of the stories are told from an autistic child's point of view. Otherwise, adventure is good, as is overcoming fear and difficulties, but it's not a hard and fast rule. The main thing is to make it a good read for children. Remember that the above age group means that the children may read themselves, as well as being read to at the younger end.

Thank you to Marilyn (Maz) for accepting the baton and giving us the name of the society that has helped so much with her grandson.

I'll publish through Lulu, under the umbrella of Shoestring Publishing.

No prizes for this one - but you will be published in a book with an ISBN.

Please send entries to maritmeredith@aol.com  with Children's Anthology in the subject line.

Mater/Marit