Main content
A Word From Our Children's Laureate
Chris Riddell is not only the award-winning author of the bestselling 'Goth Girl', he's also the Children's Laureate, which means he's a bit of a whizz at writing. He's sketched out some of his top tips just for 500 Words.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256xn/p02kvpgx.jpg)
Chris Riddell also created these cracking sketches during the 2016 500 Words Final at The Globe Theatre...
Chris Evans' attempt at dad dancing on the Shakespearean stage.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256xn/p04pp7j1.jpg)
A strong-shouldered security guard.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256xn/p04ppb31.jpg)
Celebrity reader Julie Walters stepping up to the mic to entertain the audience with a winning story.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256xn/p04ppb8d.jpg)
An Elizabethan comp猫re conducting the crowd.
![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/256xn/p04ppbs9.jpg)
More from 500 Words
-
500 Words 2020
Everything you need to know about this year's competition.
-
Submit a story
All the information you need to enter the competition.
-
Everything you need to know about Radio 2's short story-writing competition for kids.
-
10 Great Opening Lines From Literature
The best opening sentences in literature, according to 500 Words judges.