Write a Book in a Day

165 Students. 12 Hours. One Incredible Story.

Event details:

Write a Book in a Day

Thursday 6 August

8am–8pm

The Gap State High School Library

More than 165 students from The Gap State High School will spend 12 hours writing and illustrating original books as part of the national “Write a Book in a Day” competition on Thursday 6 August, raising funds for The Kids’ Cancer Project while championing creativity, reading and collaboration among young people.

Now in its sixth consecutive year participating in the competition, the school community has raised almost $40,000 for children’s cancer research through the initiative, with students working from 8am–8pm in teams to plan, write and illustrate complete books in a single day.

At a time when there is growing national conversation around social media use and screen time for young people, the event provides a powerful alternative, encouraging students to reconnect with imagination, storytelling, teamwork, and real-world communication skills.

The school library transforms into a high-energy creative hub for the day, with students collaborating under pressure to produce stories inspired by mystery prompts released at the start of the competition.

Executive Principal Anne McLauchlan said the event highlights the importance of creativity and literacy in a digital world.

“In a time when so much attention is focused on screens and scrolling, this event reminds us how powerful imagination, reading and storytelling can be for young people,” she said.

“Our students spend the day creating, collaborating and connecting with one another while raising money for an incredible cause.”

CHANNEL 7 have also agreed to come and cover the event! So, you can watch us in action on the NIGHTLY NEWS!

Last year's event photos below.