Esther Chilton

I Need You!

As many of you will know, I have run some short story competitions in the past. The last two were flash fiction competitions of 250 words, with an open theme. I’m thinking of running another, but I’d like your input. What would get you thinking and itching to enter? Here are some ideas I’ve had:

  • A flash fiction story of 100 words
  • A themed story of 1000/2000 words
  • A themed poem of up to 40 lines
  • An open poetry competition up to 40 lines
  • An open short story competition of 1000/2000 words
  • An open or themed story up to 5000 words

Please tell me what you think and do add to the suggestions. This is YOUR competition so I’d love to hear what you think. I’m thinking of running several simultaneously e.g. poetry and short story competitions.

If you’d like to read more about the last two competitions, please take a look at the Flash Fiction Competition Showcase page.

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Esther Chilton
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47 responses to “I Need You!”

  1. Julia Avatar
    Julia

    A flash fiction comp of up to 100 words, please!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Hi Julia, many thanks for your comment. Watch this space!

      Like

      Reply
  2. writersdream9 Avatar
    writersdream9

    My vote would be flash fiction and poetry! Sounds like fun!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thank you for your comment. I’ve taken note 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. writersdream9 Avatar
        writersdream9

        You’re welcome!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Jocelyn Barker Avatar
    Jocelyn Barker

    Hi, Esther!

    I would most like a 100 word flash fiction competition – open preferably. My second choice would be a 1000/2000 word open story. Best wishes, Jocelyn.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Many thanks for letting me know, Jocelyn. Good to know your thoughts 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  4. Simon Avatar
    Simon

    I think it’s hard to judge stories in an open theme. You could add a theme or words and judge on creative use of the theme? Just a thought…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thank you very much for your comments, Simon. Very helpful 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Simon Avatar
        Simon

        Thats OK. I’m pleased you found them helpful. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Jane Risdon Avatar
    Jane Risdon

    Flash fiction 100 words would be cool. Next, a short story 1000+ words. I enjoy both.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thank you very much. Your input is gratefully received 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jane Risdon Avatar
        Jane Risdon

        Thanks Ester. I was thinking of having a go….if that is OK. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. esthernewton Avatar
        esthernewton

        Of course it is! I’d love you to enter 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Jane Risdon Avatar
        Jane Risdon

        I shall think. I shall enter. I hope 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Jane Risdon Avatar
        Jane Risdon

        Are they always themed? Am keen on Flash Fiction and short stories which I write a lot but never themed (chosen) for me.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. esthernewton Avatar
        esthernewton

        They’re not always themed. Some people like a prompt while others prefer to choose it themselves.

        Liked by 1 person

      6. Jane Risdon Avatar
        Jane Risdon

        Oh thanks so much. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  6. patgarcia Avatar
    patgarcia

    I’d prefer an open short story 1000 to 2000 words or an open flash fiction of 100 words.
    Shalom,
    Patricia

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Hi Patricia, thank you for adding in your thoughts. Very helpful 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  7. AJ.Dixon Avatar
    AJ.Dixon

    I’d love it if you ran a themed 1000/2000 word story. That’d be a challenge to get your teeth in to!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thanks, Adam. That’s good to know 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. TanGental Avatar
    TanGental

    I’m a less is more guy really when it comes to comps. I also prefer themed. Other than the 5000 I’ll enter anyway!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Brilliant. Thanks, Geoff and that’s good to know.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Sherri Avatar
    Sherri

    Hi Esther! Great idea. I would say the 100 word flash and the themed poem up to 40 lines. Hope this helps to add to the other comments! Looking forward to hearing more… xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thanks, Sherri. That’s really good to know. I hope you’re well 🙂 xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sherri Avatar
        Sherri

        Doing okay thanks Esther…hope you too 🙂 xx

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Sacha Black Avatar
    Sacha Black

    I prefer themed, it gives me a prompt or something to go from. Having a blank canvas is hard, no one likes the blank page.

    I prefer shorter – 100 words, or at least less than 1000 also I think prizes can be lower for less words. I am always a bit reluctant to do 2000 word stories, just not my skill set really.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Brilliant. Good to know 🙂 Hope you’re not feeling too sore xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. wagabi12 Avatar
    wagabi12

    A themed story of between 1000 – 2000 words would be okay. It enables one to think seriously and come up with a piece that can interest many readers.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thank you for your comment. That’s good to know 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  12. JasonMoody77 Avatar
    JasonMoody77

    Hi Esther,

    Any competition is s darn good excuse to write. I always enjoy prompts, so maybe a 1000 word story where you provide both the opening and closing line?

    Regardless, I’m in.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thanks, Jason. That’s really helpful. Love the suggestion too.

      Like

      Reply
  13. Sarah Evans (@Wittiknitty) Avatar
    Sarah Evans (@Wittiknitty)

    I’d say a themed story up to 2,000 words. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thanks, Sarah. That’s useful.

      Like

      Reply
  14. gjsimmonds Avatar
    gjsimmonds

    I’m good for any except the first.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thanks, Gordon. Much appreciated 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  15. Ali Isaac Avatar
    Ali Isaac

    I love flash, but it’s everywhere. I’d really love to see a short story competition for a change, either themed or open.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thanks for your thoughts, Ali. It’s really good to know 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Helen Avatar
    Helen

    Themed or unthemed… flash or longer. Am interested in all types of competition, Esther.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Great. Thanks for that, Helen. Good to know 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  17. vanessaedits Avatar
    vanessaedits

    I quite like the idea of a themed short story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thank you. That’s really helpful 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  18. Hugh's Views and News Avatar
    Hugh’s Views and News

    I have a liking for reading and writing Flash Fiction, Esther. I’m usually at my best when given a prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      That’s really helpful to know, Hugh. Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  19. Charles Norman Avatar
    Charles Norman

    Hi Esther, hmmm…….I’d chose the 100 & 1000 words competitions

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. esthernewton Avatar
      esthernewton

      Thank you. It’s really helpful to know your thoughts on this.

      Like

      Reply

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