Writing competitions – why you should enter.
Writing competitions are a great way for writers to improve their skills. But that’s not all; competitions help by giving you a deadline to work towards. I have always found deadlines a great way to motivate myself into writing regularly.
Of course there is always the hope of winning a nice cash prize and that in itself is a hugely motivating factor for the struggling writer.
If you are not sure where to start be sure to try some of the creative writing exercises here.
The following competitions are ones that I am currently aware of and I will be on the lookout for more as time goes on.
If you know of any more writing competitions out there please let me know before the deadline so I can include them in my lists.
In the meantime write well, write regularly and the very best of luck!
Grace
ONGOING WRITING COMPETITIONS
Hennessy Literary Awards – Irish Times
Deadline: Ongoing
Prize: Publication in the Irish Times & consideration for the Hennessy Literary Awards which offers prizes of €1500 and €2500, as well as a trophy.
Details: Email entry to hennessynewirishwriting@irishtimes.com or post it (with a stamped addressed envelope) to Ciaran Carty, Hennessy New Irish Writing, The Irish Times, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2. Submissions are open to writers who are Irish or resident in Ireland.
Fees: free
TCTW – Monthly
Deadline: Ongoing
Prize: £100 per month to the winner and a place in the Christmas Super Slam for a chance to win another £150.
Details: Submission details to this on-line slam competition can be found on the group Facebook page in the link above.
OCTOBER
The World Book of Poetry
The World Book of Poetry
Deadline: October 31st 2016
Prize: Publication in World Book Of Poetry.
Details: Five poems can be submitted
Fees: Free
Celtic Mythology Short Story Competitions.
Deadline: 10th December 2016
Details Stories must include certain Celtic Mythology themes see above.
Prize 1st $500 2nd $250 3rd $100
Fees $7
NOVEMBER
The Caledonia Novel Award
Deadline: 1st November 2016
Prize: £1,000
Details: All genres – adults and young adults.
Fees: £20 Per novel
Deadline: 30 November ’16
Prize: Top ten stories will be published in the 2017 FISH ANTHOLOGY. 1st: €3,000 plus 5 day Short Story Workshop at the West Cork Literary Festival. 2nd: A week at Anam Cara Writers’ Retreat and €300. 3rd: €300
Details: Short stories – Limited to 5,000 words.
Fees: 20 euro (10 euro for subsequent entries)
DECEMBER 2016
2016 Celtic Mythology Short Story Competition
Deadline: Submissions will be accepted from midnight 1 September 2016 to midnight 10 December 2016.
Prizes: 1st $500 and story published in Irish Imbas Celtic Mythology Collection; 2nd Prize: $250 and story published in Irish Imbas Celtic Mythology Collection; 3rd Prize: $100 and story published in Irish Imbas Celtic Mythology Collection
Fees: Short Story: $7; 2 Short Stories: $12; Three Short Stories $15.
JANUARY 2017
Fish short memoir competition
Word Limit: 4,000 words
Closes: 31 January 2017
Results: 1 April 2017
Entry Fees: €16 (€10 subsequent entries). Postal entries: €18 (€12 subsequent entries).
Prizes: Best 10 memoirs will be published in the 2017 Fish Anthology. First prize €1,00
FEBRUARY 2017
FISH FLASH FICTION CONTEST
Deadline: 28TH FEBRUARY 17
Prize: Top 10 stories will be published in the FISH ANTHOLOGY 2017. 1st: €1,000. 2nd: online writing course with Fish
Details: Word limit 300
Fees: 14 euro & 8 euro for subsequent entries
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That’s all for now, but I will be adding more writing competitions as time goes on so don’t forget to bookmark this page.
If you are feeling a little bit uninspired, or short of ideas you should try some of the creative writing exercises here to give you a creative kick-start on your writing journey.
For some easy way to fit some creative writing into your routine click here.
Best wishes and the very best of luck from me at Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Grace
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