Inspire children to write their best story

Discover tales to make you laugh and cry from talent writers across the UK.

Watch the winning stories from the 2024/25 competition be read aloud for the first time, by special guests Olivia Colman, Tom Fletcher, Danny Jones, Matt Lucas, Rose Ayling-Ellis, JB Gill and Rob Brydon.

Read through the top 50 stories from the 2023/24 competition.

Watch the winning stories of 500 Words 2023 be read aloud by stars Tom Hiddleston, Oti Mabuse, Olivia Dean, Luke Evans, Alisha Weir and Hugh Bonneville.

Read or listen to the top 50 finalists' stories from the 2023/24 competition.

Check out these top tips on starting writing and finding inspiration from your favourite celebrities.

In the 500 Words Live Lesson, Sir Lenny Henry was challenged to write his own story, read it here for dose of inspiration.

Malorie Blackman, Francesca Simon and Frank Cottrell-Boyce share the childhood books that inspired them to write.

We caught up with 500 Words' judges Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Charlie Higson for their thoughts on what makes a brilliant story.

We reached out to some familiar faces to ask: what would your 500 Words story be about?

The Gruffalo author, Julia Donaldson, shares her top tips for writing a 500 Words story.

'Speak Up!' author, Nathan Byron, shares his top tips for 5-7 year-olds who want to write a story.

Watch 'A Kind of Spark' author Elle McNicoll as she shares her top tips to inspire writers aged 7–11.

Former Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, offers his top tips to inspire children to start writing their 500 Words story.

TV chef and children's author, Jamie Oliver, share's his experience with dyslexia and advice for writing.

CBeebies House presenter, George Webster, shares his top tips for the 500 words writing competition.

We caught up with Nikhil and Jay author, Chitra Soundar, to ask her for her best advice for writing stories.

The brains behind the hit TV show Jamie Johnson, shares his secret top tips when writing stories.