There were times during 2018 when I thought we would be able to continue this annual competition. Funding to councils and community groups has ben seriously depleted over the last few years, making it difficult for many much needed organisations to continue; and we were in that category. Thankfully, earlier this year, a funding award was found enabling us to continue encouring our county's young people to let their imagination fly and enjoy writing. With the support of families, teachers, acclaimed and award winning authors and poets, I am delighted to present this, our eleventh volume of 'Nottinghamshire Children Tell Tales'. It has been a great pleasure, and an honour, to get to know so many young people over the last eleven years, who have the potential to be our great authors of the future and maintain the remarkable reputation for literature Nottinghamshire has long held. - Julie Malone, Founder and President, New Writers UK