The great thing about annual short story competitions is that they seem to loop back around in no time, so if you’ve had no luck one year you can soon try your hand again. Here’s a list of some interesting ones open for entries over the coming months. As ever, it isn’t a definitive compilation,… Read More Winter-spring short story competition round-up
Dear reader, perhaps surprisingly for someone who writes I don’t usually like to delve into anything too personal on my blog. But today I’ve had news that has been huge, and wonderful, for my family and I felt I just had to share it. Over the past five months, my husband has been having chemotherapy… Read More Room 8
[UPDATED 5/10/18] Flash fiction isn’t an area I often venture into because, frankly, it’s hard. The best flash fiction has astonishing capabilities, from the forensically minute to impressively epic in scale despite its compressed nature. Not quite the chucking-in-all-the-words-and-giving-it-a-stir method I’m more comfortable with. Nonetheless, I have seen quite a few flash fiction competitions listed… Read More Flash fiction competitions to watch out for
Back in March, I had a very welcome acceptance for a flash fiction piece from an online literary journal called Jellyfish Review. Their format is to publish a new story every couple of days, spotlighting individual writers. I was given a slot in the middle of August, which at the time seemed so far away… Read More Jellyfish Review
Tadhg Coakley is a Cork writer whose debut novel is set against the high-stakes backdrop of an All-Ireland hurling final. The First Sunday in September (so-titled because that’s when the final is traditionally played) tells 19 different characters’ stories, drawn together by a day of high emotion both on and off the pitch. I spoke to… Read More The First Sunday in September author Q&A
Dodging the Rain has to be the loveliest title I’ve come across for a literary journal. Visually as well, it’s a really beautiful online publication. And that’s why I submitted a very short flash fiction piece to them a few months ago which I hoped would be a good match. I was very surprised to… Read More Dodging the Rain
[Updated 16/10/18] ]It’s hard to keep track of all those deadlines, so here is an (updated) list of the main short story competitions coming up in the second half of the year. The management cannot take responsibility for any must-enter-them-all panic attacks, though I have no doubt you’re just one short edit away from victory.… Read More Short story competitions to fill the second half of your year
