Writing Competitions and Submissions

It’s Easter Monday – the sun is out, I’ve managed to drink tea in the garden for the first time this year, I’ve listened to the birds, inspected the tulip pots and in between I’ve been working. Maybe it’s the promise that the sun brings, the unfurling of life that’s set my mind to thinking of competitions and submissions and not just in the UK.

After The Manchester, last year, I vowed, ‘no more competitions,’ because although it’s great to be shortlisted, it’s stressful too. But when I saw the Raymond Carver short story competition I felt the sap rising. This is in part because fellow writers have been urging me to submit my stories set in Arkansas to an American literary magazine. It seems like a worthwhile plan, and the good thing about competitions or submissions is that they push you into improving your work and making it the best it can be.

As yet I haven’t decided whether to enter the competition  –

‘Now in its 15th year, the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest is one of the most renowned fiction contests in the world. Featuring prominent guest judges and offering $2000 across five prizes, the contest delivers exciting new fiction from writers all over the world.
The contest opens each year April 1 – May 15 and winners are published in the following fall issue in October,’ –

or whether to submit a story. ‘Carve is seeking good honest fiction in the form of short stories.We want emotional jeopardy, soul, and honesty.’ And they pay – $100 per story

Either way I’m already thinking about which stories would be best. I’ve decided on one at least and started on the final edit.

I’ve featured these competitions this week in my free Monday newsletter. My newsletter always contains information on opportunities for getting  published – as well as what I hope are useful thoughts and tips on writing – you can subscribe to  the newsletter by going to the form at the top right here on the blog.