Choc Lit Short Story Competition
Closing date 31st January, 2012 Details below

Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts, Water Poetry Competition.
Closing  date: 13th January 2012. Details below

The Home-Start Bridgwater Short Story Prize 2012
Closing Date 1st February 2012 Details below

Kelpies Prize 2012 – New Scottish Writing for Children
Closing Date: 29th February 2012 Details below

Cardiff International Poetry Competition 2012
Closing Date Friday 2nd March 2012 Details below

2012 Bristol Short Story Prize
Closing Date March 31st 2012 Details below

MERIDIAN WRITING Spring Short Story
Open 1st January, 2012 – 31st March, 2012 Details below

The Sportswriter Competition 2012
Closing Date 1st July 2012 Details below

Writing Competitions 2012
Closing dates are February 26th, May 31st, August 31st,November 30th and December 3rd 2012 Details below

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As a commitment to our members this page is available to Writing Groups who are members of NAWG and are running an open creative writing competition, so that they might advertise their competition to others, free of charge.

Other groups or associations who are not members will be charged a fee for the privilege. Starting on the 1st January 2011, the fee for a one off submisson will be £8.00. Should you require further submissions thoughout the year, the fee of £20.00 will cover all advertisements for 12 months following payment.

All payments should be made by cheque, payable to NAWG and sent to Webmaster, 65 Riverside Mead, Peterborough, PE2 8JN.

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FULL LISTINGS

Sponsored and supported by The Berforts Group,

The First NAWG Open Short Story Competition
Closing Date: October 31st 2011

Full list of Shortlisted entrants and  Prizewinners

First Prize: £250
Title:- Assipattle,
Barbara Smith, Thames Valley Writers Circle – Tilehurst near Reading.
Second Prize: £100
Title:- Pleasure Zone,
Helen Kampfner. Spain.
Third Prize: £50
Title:- Losing Benjy,
Simon Vandervelde, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Highly commended
Title: – Shadow Tree,
Silvia Sbaraini, Canterbury.
Title: - A Wind Like a Bugle,
Janet Killeen, Forest Hill, London.
Title: - Last of the Sand Dragons,
Dan Purdue, Bewdley, Worcestershire.
Title: - The Clown,
Zinaca Nobis, Forest Hill, London.

Shortlisted
Title: -Potato Waffles and Syrupy Socks,
Simon Whaley, Church Stretton.
Title: - Beer in Brown Bottles and Cigarettes,
Douglas Bruton, West Linton. Scotland.
Title: - Ripples,
Anne Powell, Hull.
Title: - Out of the Mouths of Babes,
Nicola Clemmit, Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Judging to short list by Linda Lewis – the successful short story writer and Writers Forum columnist. Finalists judged by the NAWG committee.

Linda Lewis’ judging notes

When the National Association of Writers Groups talked about the possibility of running a short story competition to raise some much needed funds, I was very keen to get on board. I’d run my own competitions for the past two years and really enjoyed the process. I don’t think I will ever tire of reading other people’s short stories.

I offered to judge the competition to short list stage and was very pleased when the competition attracted almost two hundred and fifty entries. I read them in batches of ten at a time so that I remained fresh. The standard was so good, I had to be very strict with myself when it came to deciding which entries would be put to one side as possible short list contenders.

The high standard made reading the stories a real pleasure. I couldn’t help feeling sad each time a well written, well structured, generally good story didn’t make the short list because I had no way of letting the writer know how close they had come. If you entered but didn’t come anywhere, that DOES not mean your story wasn’t good, in fact I could imagine several stories that didn’t make the short list being published so don’t give up with your story – try it somewhere else. Judging is, by its very nature, highly subjective.  A story that didn’t appeal to me might stand out as brilliant to somebody else. It’s all a matter of taste. I’d been asked to aim for a short list of approximately ten to twelve stories. I ended up with eleven. Those were sent off to the NAWG committee for them to make the final decision.

I was happy with the choices they made as all eleven stories were of a high standard. If it had been up to me, a different story might have taken first prize, but that’s the way it should be. That’s why it’s often useful to have the final decision made by a group of people.

Now for some general comments. I found that some entries were more anecdotal than fiction. It’s hard to explain what I mean in only a few words, but I’ll try. As a rule, stories need some kind of shape or structure. More often than not, that entails linking the ending,  in some way at least, to the beginning.

When we’re telling a friend about something that actually happened, we can start anywhere we like but when writing a story, it’s often best to start and end in a similar place or at least with the same character. Also, it’s vital to bear in mind that simply because something actually happened doesn’t mean it will work as a piece of fiction. In life, things just happen and coincidences abound. In stories, events need to happen for a reason that the reader can follow.

Another problem that kept cropping up was a lack of focus. I like to know who the main character or characters are so that I know who I’m meant to empathise with or care about. Several stories began with one person, then changed to a different viewpoint, for no valid reason. This made them feel rather disjointed. Having a theme that runs through a story is another way to give the piece shape. Overall, the standard was high and you should feel proud, however well you did.

I’d like to end by thanking all the people who helped to publicise the competition, and everyone who entered. You helped to make the first NAWG Open Short Story competition a great success.

The winning entry may be read by clicking ASSIPATTLE

Copyright remains with the author.

Below is an extract from an email we received from Susan Siddeley, regarding her competition entries.
Thank you Susan for your input.

‘Thank you very much for the two story critiques (102 & 103, Bonfire and Foreign Affair), which I received just before Christmas. They are great and succinct confirmation of what I felt about the stories but didn’t manage to fix!

I live in Toronto but spend several months a year in Chile. I belong to writing groups in both places, but there’s nothing like an outside eye to spot a weakness. (In my case not showing where I am!) The competition was a great opportunity to get this and at a very reasonable price. (I think Santiago Writers is the only International group in NAWG.)  Hoping this challenge and critique opportunity continues. A Happy New Year to all involved.’

We would have been unable to get this competition even started without a generous donation from Daisy Watkins – thank you, Daisy.

About our Sponsor

The Berforts Group have been in business for over 40 years, and offer a book printing and self publishing service to Authors and Publishers.

We produce books in hard or soft back, and from 1 copy to 10,000 copies. Whether your book is black and white, full colour or a mix of the two we can produce them for you.

Berforts pride themselves on high quality, and with our ISO9001 we aim for excellence so that our clients get good value for their money without losing out on quality.

Call one of our experienced advisors, to get free impartial advice and a quotation for your book, we are here to help. We also offer factory tours for writers groups and authors so please do call to arrange an appointment. Tel: 01438-312777 Web: www.berforts.co.uk

New Entry:-

Let your imagination take flight!

Choc Lit Short Story Competition

We’re looking for short stories of up to 1,500 words in which the central theme is chocolate – eating it, drinking it, cooking with it, or anything else.

PRIZES
1st prize £200, publication on Choc Lit’s authors corner blog and a box of chocolates from Plush Chocolates.
A Runner Up will receive £50 and a box of chocolates from Plush Chocolates.

RULES
1. Your entry must be a maximum of 1,500 words.
2. All work must be your own and not previously published.
3. Entry fee is £3 per story.
4. All entries must be received by 31st January, 2012.

JUDGES
Your judges are Choc Lit authors Margaret James and Sue Moorcroft. Both are experienced creative writing tutors. Margaret also writes the monthly Fiction Focus for Writing Magazine and Sue is a fiction judge for short story competitions at Writers Forum.
HOW TO ENTER
1. Please post your stories to: Short Story Competition, Choc Lit Ltd, Penrose House, Crawley Drive, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 2AB. Please enclose a cheque for £3 per story – i.e. to enter 3 stories would cost £9. Cheques are payable to ‘Choc Lit Ltd.’

2. Or email info@choc-lit.co.uk with the subject header ‘Short Story Competition’ and pay your entry fee by Paypal at orders@choc-lit.co.uk.

Visit: www.choc-lit.co.uk for a free taste of all our novels,
or simply scan the barcode with your smartphone QR reader.

Visit: www.choc-lit.co.uk for a free taste of all our novels,
or simply scan the barcode with your smartphone QR reader.

Where heroes are like chocolate – irresistible!

The Writers Bureau Poetry Competition 2011 is now closed!
Closing date 31st December 2011

This year we have decided to hold two separate competitions rather than a joint short story and poetry competition. Winners of the Short Story Competition will be announced 30th September 2011.
You can submit your poems from 5th July 2011. Deadline 31st December 2011.
Winners will be announced 28th February 2012.
1st Prize £500
2nd Prize £300
3rd Prize £200
4th Prize £100

Full details: www.wbcompetition.com

The winning short story and poem will be published in Freelance Market News and on the Internet.

Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts, Water Poetry Competition.
Closing  date: 13th January 2012.

In association with the Newcastle University Societal Challenge programme on sustainability and Northumbrian Water.

Main Category (£5 entry fee for up to three poems):
1st Prize: £500
2nd Prize: £200
3rd Prize: £100

North East Young Adult Category (free entry for up to three poems):
1st Prize: £250
Five runners up will each receive £50

Judges: John Burnside and W N Herbert.

Deadline: 13th January 2012.

We want you to think about water in all its aspects and submit poems to us

which use it as a theme. For further details or if you’re looking for some

inspiration then visit our website to download our free prompts sheet:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ncla/projects/competitions/poetrycomp/

The Home-Start Bridgwater Short Story Prize 2012
Closing Date 1st February 2012

Prizes
First £500
Second £200
Third £100

Entry Fee £7 (100% going to the Charity’s work

Closing Date 1st February 2012

Judge
We are hugely grateful to Patricia Ferguson for agreeing to adjudicate the Bridgwater Home-Start 2012 Prize. Patricia is a prize-winning novelist whose books and short stories have achieved recognition with the Betty Trask Prize; the Somerset-Maugham Award; and (twice) nomination for the Orange Prize. She was recently one of the judges for the Bristol Short Story Competition.

Patricia will undertake the judging from a shortlist of ten stories selected by a team of experienced readers. A Trustee of the Charity will oversee the preliminary assessment of entries and the secure filing and recording of authors’ details.

The winners will be announced in a ceremony at Bridgwater Arts Centre on Saturday 24th March 2012. Shortlisted authors will be notified in advance. Results and (with permission from the authors) the prizewinning stories will be published on the website.

Competition Rules
1. Stories, on any theme, must be not more than 2200 words in length. Each should be written in English, be the original unpublished work of the author and not have won a prize in any previous competition. Copyright remains with the author.

2. Stories will be judged anonymously. Story pages must carry the title as listed on the entry form and not indicate the identity of the author. Please complete the form in full, whether entering by post or online.

3. Work should be typed in not less than size 12 font, and double-spaced.

4. Authors may enter any number of stories.

5. Entries must be received on or before Wednesday 1st February 2012.

6. The Judge’s decision is final. The Trustees will not enter into any correspondence.

7. It is a condition of acceptance that entrants have read and understood the competition rules

Postal Entries
Entries should be typed on A4 white paper and be accompanied by a completed entry form and a cheque or UK postal order for the entry fee of £7 per story (plus any extra donation to the Charity. Such gifts would be much appreciated).

Online Entries
Entering the competition online is simple.

Please visit www.homestart-bridgwater.org.uk and follow the links for ‘Short Story Prize 2012′.

Your payment can be securely made by PayPal.

Donations
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and of all the volunteers who will be running this competition (including Patricia Ferguson, who has waived any payment for her professional services), the whole of your entry fee will be devoted to the Charity’s work for families in Bridgwater and the surrounding rural communities. As a writer entering the competition, you might like to consider topping up the entry charge with a further donation to Home- Start’s funds. A look at our website www. homestart-bridgwater.org.uk can help you decide whether this is a worthwhile cause and a well-run scheme.

Home-Start Bridgwater Area
H-SBA is a registered charity helping local families with pre-school children at a time when they are facing some particular difficulty. The unique Home-Start approach is to match a trained and vetted volunteer (always an experienced parent) with each family to give practical guidance and emotional sup- port so that they may gain the confidence to cope for themselves.

Those who know the Bridgwater district are aware that the demand here for such support is immense. Families are constantly being referred to Home-Start by NHS Health Visi- tors, Social Care and other Agencies. With only two salaried workers, both part- time, this Charity is notably cost-effective. Your entry fee and any voluntary gift you add will not be wasted.

Learn more from our website www.homestart-bridgwater.org.uk

Home-Start Bridgwater Area, Victoria Community Centre, Victoria Park Drive, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 7AS
Registered Charity No 1137538

Kelpies Prize 2012 – New Scottish Writing for Children
Closing Date: 29th February 2012

How to enter the Kelpies Prize 2012

Have you got a brilliant story, set wholly, or mainly, in Scotland, and suitable for both boys and girls aged 8—12 years old?

The deadline for submissions is 29 February 2012*.

Entries must be original, previously unpublished prose of between 40,000 and 70,000 words long. Authors do not need to live in Scotland to qualify.

The winner will receive a £2,000 cash prize and have their manuscript published in the Kelpies range.

For full terms and conditions go to www.florisbooks.co.uk/kelpiesprize

*The Kelpies Prize is open annually, so don’t worry if you can’t submit this time, there is always 2013

Cardiff International Poetry Competition 2012
Closing Date Friday 2nd March 2012

Is your Poetry worth £5,000?

The Cardiff International Poetry Competition offers one of the largest monetary prizes for a poetry competition of its kind. First prize is £5000. Additional prizes are £500 for second place, £250 for third and five runners-up receive £50 each. All entries to the competition will be judged anonymously, so this is a great opportunity to have your poetry judged on its own merits.

Poems must be no longer than 50 lines long, unpublished, in English and not a translation of another author’s work. The competition is administered by Literature Wales with the financial support of Cardiff Council.

To download an entry form visit: www.literaturewales.org/cipc/

Judges: Sinéad Morrissey, Patrick McGuinness and Samantha Wynne-Rhydderch (filter judge)
Entry fee: £6.00 per poem
Closing date: Friday 2 March 2012
Address: Cardiff International Poetry Competition 2012, P.O. Box 438, Cardiff,
CF10 5YA, Wales, UK
Email: post@literaturewales.org
Tel: +44 29 2047 2266

Literature Wales is the national company for the development of literature in Wales. Literature Wales includes The Welsh Academy – the national Society of Writers in Wales, and Tŷ Newydd Writers’ Centre.

2012 Bristol Short Story Prize
Closing Date March 31st 2012

2012 Bristol Short Story Prize is open to all writers, UK and non-UK based, over 16 years of age.
Stories can be on any theme or subject and
entry can be made online via the website or by
post. Entries must be previously unpublished
with a maximum length of 3,000 words (There is no minimum.
The entry fee is £7 per story.

Prizes:
1st £1000 plus £150 Waterstone’s gift card
2nd £700 plus £100 Waterstone’s gift card
3rd £400 plus £100 Waterstone’s gift card

17 further prizes of £100 will be presented to the writers whose stories appear on the shortlist. All 20 shortlisted writers will have their stories published in the Bristol Short Story Prize Anthology Volume 5. The winning story will, also, be published in Bristol Review of Books and Venue magazine.

The 20 shortlisted writers will be invited to an awards ceremony in Bristol in July 2012 when the winners will be announced and the anthology launched.
The awards ceremony will be the final event of our 2nd ShortStoryVille festival.

Judging panel : Ali Reynolds (literary consultant, former Random House editor)
Bidisha (writer, broadcaster, critic) Anna Britten (writer, journalist at Venue Magazine)
Chris Wakling (novelist, Creative Writing tutor)

Full details at www.bristolprize.co.uk

MERIDIAN WRITING Spring Short Story
Open 1^st January, 2012 – 31^st March, 2012

Original unpublished stories welcomed up to 3,000 words (with no lower limit) in any genre / theme. Open to new and published authors.

Prizes are £100, £50 and £25 for first, second and third placed stories respectively, plus firstwriter.com vouchers. There is an entry fee of £5 per story. A critique service is also available for competition entries for an additional £3 (non-competition critique service is also available – see website for options available)

Note# – Please include: ‘NAWG Spring’ on your postal or online entry form.

Full submission details may be found on our website: www.meridian-writing.co.uk

The Sportswriter Competition 2012
Closing Date 1st July 2012

The Sportswriter Competition 2012 is the first of what we hope to be an annual writing competition that seeks to identify new sportswriting talent. Entries may be fiction or non-fiction, prose or poetry.

Prizes:
First place: £250
Second place: £75
Third place: £25
(paid in British Pounds Sterling by bank transfer, cheque or through PayPal)

The entry fee is £3.00, of which £1.00 will be donated to our chosen charity, Cyclists Fighting Cancer (http://cyclistsfc.org.uk/). The deadline for entries is midnight on the 1st July 2012, the day of the Euro 2012 Final.

The Sportswriter Competition 2012 is open to anyone aged 18 years or older.
Entries may be submitted directly through the form on the website, http://www.sportswriter.org.uk/writing-competition, or by email, info@sportswriter.org.uk.

Entries may be up to 2000 words (or 40 lines for poems) and should relate to sport in some way. Winning entrants will receive the cash prizes and their work will be published on the website, www.sportswriter.org.uk.

posted by
Davy Hackett
SportsWriter.org.uk

Writing Competitions 2012
Closing dates are February 26th, May 31st, August 31st,November 30th and December 3rd 2012

£100 prize fund per competition.
Open to anyone in the world of any age.
Full details, terms and conditions from: www.emeraldwritingworkshops.co.uk

3rd year of Flash Fiction Competitions with £600 of prize money.