THE DEADLINE for entries for the short story and poetry competition as part of the Morwellham Quay Literary Festival is next Monday (July 21). The challenge is to write a short story of no more than 300 words or a poem of no more than 12 lines using the words 'River Tamar' at least once. Prizes for the four age groups including both children and adults will be awarded at the Literary Festival on Sunday, July 27. More details of the competition can be found on the website http://www.morwellham.org">www.morwellham.org Tania Crosse, bestselling author of Morwellham's Child, will be one of the speakers at Morwellham Quay's Literary Festival and Book Fair and she will be awarding prizes for the writing competition. Visitors can hear the spooky story that inspired Tania to begin her career writing about the Quay, and how she then went on to set a complete series of novels in the Tavistock area. Local author Ted Sherrell will be sharing anecdotes about life beside the Tamar, whilst James Crowden will be reading and answering questions about his books based on West Country history. The Bard of Exeter himself, Daniel Haynes, will be giving a piece of his performance poetry and poets, Sonia Hendy-Isaacs and Mantie Lister will both read from their published works. Books will be for sale from a number of book stalls specialising in rare, old, new and local history publications, plus cards and ephemera. Budding authors and poets can join in the writing workshops for ages 10 – 16 which will take place at 12.30 and at 2.30 led by poet Mantie Lister. • In an article about a visit by 'Queen Victoria' in last week's edition the date was incorrect. Replicating the journey she made up the River Tamar in 1856, the 'Queen' will in fact visit on Wednesday, August 13 and later in the month, on Sunday, August 24, the Morwellham Food and Drink Festival will take place.