Abbreviations, silly emojis and endless GIFs seem to dominate youth communications, on platforms such as WhatsApp, where voice notes and instant replies tend to be the easiest and most convenient way to stay in touch.
Yet, despite the increased speed and innovative functions, have Islanders lost the art of slower formal communications?
In an attempt to encourage Islanders to rediscover written literary in the form of the humble letter, Jersey Post is welcoming the return of their popular letter writing competition.
The Upon A Letter competition, is an opportunity for writers to flex their literary muscles, with a new 16-and-over category meaning adults can enter for the first time, alongside three categories for children aged 5-6, 7-10, and 11-15.
Penny Byrne, who has written more than 18 children’s books, will lead the judging of Jersey Post’s Once Upon A Letter competition.
Last year’s campaign attracted more than 300 entries, with some letters going on to be later published in a book.
This year, entrants have up to 850 words to tell a story entirely through a letter, which can be handwritten or typed, with judges looking for “imagination, originality, use of the letter format”.
There will be one winner per category with winners receiving a certificate, writing bundles, stamps and a book.
Head judge Ms Byrne advised entrants: “Try to imagine not having any contact with someone you really love for a long period of time; where the only communication you have is this letter (hard in this day and age!)… The letter should convey that sense of separation but also the joy of being in touch, of having this intimate conversation.”
The initiative is supported by charity Every Child Our Future, whose programme manager Nicola Mackereth advised: “Every great letter should have a voice of its own. It should tell us something about the person writing it, make us curious, spark our imagination and, most importantly, give us a reason to keep reading.”
Competition entries can either be submitted online at Jersey Post or posted free of charge to Once Upon a Letter competition, Jersey Post, Rue des Pres Trading Estate, JE1 1AA.
The deadline for entries is Monday 12 October at 5pm. Winners will be notified by 3 November.
Last year’s ‘write stuff’
More than 300 children entered the inaugural Once Upon a Letter competition in 2025, with stories featuring everything from dragons and wizards to Pompeii and Banana Boy.
Among the winners was Rowan in the 10-11 category, whose ‘Dear Mrs the Witch’ imagined Hansel writing a rather formal letter of complaint after his encounter with the witch from Hansel and Gretel.
“I’m writing to apologise for eating your house!” it begins, before Hansel informs the witch that he and his sister have reported her to the police.
Among his complaints is the lasting impact of being imprisoned: “Putting me in a cage has meant that I am now traumatised and can never return to the zoo.”
After warning that the flying monkeys from The Wizard of Oz are on their way to find her, he signs off: “Worst regards and goodbye forever, Hansel.”
