The Scottish Book Trust's annual writing opportunity asks people all over Scotland to submit true stories. The theme for 2026 is Wonder.

Wonder: a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. 

When you think of wonder, where does it take you?  

To a secluded forest? To a treasured childhood memory?   

Wonder is the joy of the unfamiliar, renewing our curiosity in ourselves and the world around us. It’s a step into the unknown, opening ourselves up to new experiences. The moments where we recognised who we were, or wanted to become, and the exhilaration of starting that new chapter. 

From seeking out the solitude that allows us to hear our own thoughts, starting a new hobby, or simply taking a moment every day to appreciate what – or who – is around us, wonder is a reflection of our curiosity, our ability to grow and affirm that our life and our story matter.   

Take a moment – to stop and wonder.  

Share your story of wonder with us today! 

This project is for everyone. Even if you’ve never written before, we want to hear from you. We believe everyone has a story to tell and that telling that story can be a powerful experience.  

Your entry can be in any form you like – a story, poem, comic strip, play or letter. We also accept video and audio entries. The only requirement is that your story is true and based on your own experiences.  Submissions can be up to 1000 words.

We welcome entries in Gaelic, Scots and English.  

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday 2 November.

Every submission is featured on our website and a selection of our favourites will be published in a free book distributed around the county during Book Week Scotland, our national celebration of books and reading.