motivation

  • Markets For Writers

    Article writing competitions are less common than short story and poetry competitions, but here’s one for you – and it’s one all of you can enter. Scribble Magazine is looking for entries into its Annual Article Competition.The theme is ‘My Writing Day‘. Entries must be between 1000 and 1500 words. The closing date is 31st…

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  • Last week, the focus was on flash fiction and the results of my 100-word story competition. This week, it’s over to the longer story. For the latter, you were given the theme of ‘treasure’ and you could interpret that in any way you wished, as long as it was within 1000 words. I love the…

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  • Guest Writer Spot

    I’m thrilled to invite Viki Allerston back to my Guest Writer Spot. A few weeks ago, she appeared on this page, with her highly entertaining story, Bad Boy Boris. From all the wonderful comments, you thoroughly enjoyed her story. I’m sure you’ll enjoy her latest story every bit as much. If you’d like to know…

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  • Here are my new challenges for you: OPTION ONE: Write a six-word story with the word DISASTER in it somewhere. OPTION TWO: Write a poem or limerick on the theme of WORK. OPTION THREE: Your word is FREEDOM. What meaning does this hold for you? You can write anything on it, be it a poem,…

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  • Markets For Writers

    With fantastic prizes, The 2016 Costa Short Story Award is worth an entry. You can send in your stories, up to 4000 words, on any theme, from 1st July 2016 – 5th August 2016. Here are some details for you: Prizes: 1st: £3500 2nd: £1500 3rd: £500 There are some comprehensive terms and conditions pages…

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  • As promised last week, I’m delighted to announce the results of my flash fiction competition. Please read the simply brilliant winning entries below and the judge’s comments following. An enormous thank you to all those who entered. You made it extremely difficult for me to choose. I read, re-read and read yet again, all the…

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  • Guest Writer Slot

    This week’s guest writer is another of my wonderfully talented students. Here’s a little bit about Murray Clarke: Murray Clarke has a real passion for writing short stories – and began putting pen to paper when he was only eight years old (which is more years ago than he cares to remember!) He has had…

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  • It’s challenge time! Here are this week’s new challenges for you: OPTION ONE: WRITE A 10-WORD STORY STARTING WITH THE WORDS ‘OH NO!‘ OPTION TWO: WRITE A POEM OR LIMERICK ON THE THEME OF GLORY. OPTION THREE: WHAT DOES THE WORD DREAM MEAN TO YOU? YOU CAN WRITE A POEM, ARTICLE, STORY; ANYTHING GOES. YOUR…

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  • Markets For Writers

    This week’s market is a fantastic one (not that I’m biased being a WB tutor, or anything!). The Writers Bureau is inviting entries for its annual Limerick Competition. Here are a few details for you: Prizes: 1st Prize: £100 plus a Writers Bureau Course worth over £350 Runners up: £50 will go to two runners…

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  • …well, not quite. But I do have news. As I received so many entries, and it’s taking me a while to read through them all, I’m splitting the results into two. The results of the 100-word story competition will be announced next Monday and the results of the ‘Treasure’ competition will be revealed the Monday…

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