As the nights draw in, we’re inviting you to weave tales of wonder and warmth in collaboration with Ralph & Co.
We’re calling storytellers of all ages to craft dog-centric tales that are perfect for bedtime reading.
Closes 2nd January 2024
As winter’s chill sets in and the festive lights twinkle, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good story. But what if these stories could leap off the pages and into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere? That’s exactly what we’re aiming for – a collection of enchanting bedtime stories, each weaving the magic and warmth of our canine companions into tales that resonate with comfort and joy.
From whimsical adventures to tender moments of friendship, your stories can capture a wide array of experiences that showcase the joy, loyalty, and love that dogs bring into our lives. Whether inspired by your own furry friend or conjured from the depths of your imagination, these stories are an ode to the paws that leave imprints on our hearts.
This campaign is more than just a competition; it’s a tribute to the comforting power of storytelling, especially at bedtime. Research highlights the unique bond formed when we share stories with our dogs – their calming presence, the gentle wag of a tail, the attentive gaze – all create an atmosphere of unparalleled warmth and relaxation. It’s a chance to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the season, to take a moment of pause, and immerse oneself in the joy of storytelling.
This competition is open to storytellers of all ages, from the young to the young at heart! We want to hear from everyone who has a tail-wagging tale to tell. Whether it’s a whimsical adventure about a daring doggy detective, a heartwarming story of canine companionship, or a humorous account of a pup’s daily escapades, your stories are what we crave. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned writer or picking up a pen for the first time; what truly matters is your passion for storytelling and your love for dogs. Let your imagination run wild, and take us into a world where every bark and wag tells a story.
How to enter: Write a dog-themed bedtime story. Submit your story using the form below (between 300-1000 words). Closes 2nd of January.
There are two main age categories for submissions:
This competition is open to all ages.
The competition will be judged in two age categories with prizes for each
Children’s Category: For our younger authors (Under 16).
Grown-Up’ Category: For ages 16+
Dog-themed bedtime stories that are suitable for reading any time of the year.
1st Place Prize
There will be one first place winner for each age group:
10 x Runners Up
1. Length and Format: Stories should be between 300-1000 words. Stories should be submitted via the competition entry form only.
2. Theme: Your story should be related to dogs in one way or another and suitable for bedtime reading all year long.
3. Originality and Creativity: Your story must be your own original work and not previously published. We value creativity over structure. Don’t worry about perfect grammar or structure, especially for younger participants. It’s the story that counts!
4. Audience: The story should be family-friendly. Please avoid explicit language or adult themes.
5. Theme: The story must be related to a dog in some way.
6. Tone: Aim for a tone that is engaging and appropriate for a bedtime story – think warmth, joy, and comfort.
7. Judging Criteria: Stories will be judged on creativity and originality. For the children’s category, more emphasis will be placed on imagination and storytelling. In the adult category, while creativity is key, a higher level of coherence and narrative structure is expected.
1. Creativity and Originality: Judges will look for stories that showcase unique ideas, imaginative narratives, and original approaches to the theme. They’ll appreciate entries that stand out with their creative flair and original storytelling.
2. Theme Relevance: The stories should be relevant to the theme of the competition, the story must be dog-centric. Judges will be looking for how well the stories incorporate this elements in a meaningful and engaging way.
3. Engagement and Enjoyment: A good story should captivate the reader, evoke emotions, or provide enjoyment. Judges will consider how engaging the story is and whether it keeps the reader interested from start to finish.
4. Narrative Structure: For adult submissions, a well-structured narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end will be important. For children, while the narrative structure is still relevant, there might be more flexibility, with a greater focus on the imaginative aspects of the story.
5. Character Development: Well-developed characters that readers can connect with or relate to are a plus. Judges will look at how characters are presented and developed throughout the story.
6. Quality of Writing: For adult categories, the quality of writing, including grammar, language use, and style, will be a consideration. For children, this may be less of a focus, with more emphasis on the story itself rather than technical proficiency.
7. Suitability as a Bedtime Story: Given the focus on bedtime stories, judges will be looking for stories that are suitable for reading at bedtime. This means they should be calming, comforting, or uplifting, contributing to a pleasant bedtime experience all-year-long.
By focusing on these elements, the judges will be able to identify stories that not only meet the competition criteria but also resonate with readers and leave a memorable impact.
Do not wait until the last minute to submit your story. The entry form and story upload system close automatically at exactly 11:59 pm on 2nd Jan, 2024. Winners will be announced following judging early January.
Yes! Please make sure you use a new entry form for each submission. I.e. Don’t put all your stories in one entry submission.
Snuggle up in style with a Ralph & Co! This independent British brand is all about pampering pets and adding a dash of elegance to homes. Every product is a masterpiece, designed with love in Great Britain and handcrafted by Tuscan artisans. Picture your furry friend cosied up in luxury, with the finest stone-washed fabrics and top-notch leather from Sante Croce. It’s not just about looks; it’s about crafting items that last and blend seamlessly with your home décor. Ralph & Co isn’t just a brand; it’s a philosophy. They’re experts in making your pet’s comfort stylish, using traditional techniques for quality that speaks volumes. More than just a product, it’s a promise of unparalleled comfort for your pet and a touch of elegance for your home. Join the Ralph & Co family, where pets are pampered, and style meets substance!