Wigtown Book Festival Dates

2013 Poetry Competition

Closing date: 31st May 2013. For further information, including a downloadable entry form, please visit:www.wigtownbookfestival.com/poetry-competition
The website gives full details of this year's judges: Robin Robertson (Main); Meg Bateman (Gaelic); and Liz Niven (Scots). You'll also find the blog post from 2012 Main Prize Judge, George Szirtes about his judging process.

Wigtown Spring Weekend

3-6 May 2013
Celebrate Wigtown's role as Scotland's National Book Town with the annual Spring Weekend, organised by the Association of Wigtown Booksellers in conjunction with Wigtown festival Company.  Join us for a vibrant weekend including: theatre, music, workshops, exhibitions and events for families and book lovers - most of which will be hosted in our series of independent bookshops.

Wigtown Spring Weekend tickets are available from the Box Office, County Buildings, Wigtown, tel: 01988 403222.  Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 27 April 10am - 4pm and Sunday 28 April 2pm - 4pm and Spring Weekend 9am - 5pm.  They are also available online - please click here.



Wigtown Writers’ Gathering
3 May 2013
9.15am-5pm
County Buildings, Wigtown
Ticket price: £7.00 (excl VAT and fees: £9.47 total)
Wigtown Book Festival is pleased to announce the inaugural Wigtown Writers’ Gathering. We are delighted to welcome critically acclaimed, bestselling author Louise Welsh to the gathering. Louise will be running a workshop, for which there are just a few spaces left. The Wigtown Writers’ Gathering also features one-to-one sessions with publishing professionals. This is a unique opportunity for writers from (and beyond) Dumfries and Galloway to congregate. The Wigtown Writers’ Gathering’s focus is to support established and emerging writers in developing writing skills, approach to writing and knowledge of writing though workshops, breakouts and one-to-one sessions.
This is also an occasion for writers to meet, talk and form new connections.  Bookings for the Louise Welsh workshop and the one-to-one sessions will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  Tickets are available here.



Wigtown Book Festival Dinner and Charity Auction
3 May 2013, 7.30pm
Bladnoch Distillery, Wigtown
Ticket price: £30.00 each or £250 per table of 10
The 15th Wigtown Book Festival takes place from 27 September to 6 October. Please join us for a charity dinner to raise funds for this year’s event, including the children’s and young people’s programme. Ticket price includes a three-course meal, tea, coffee and welcome drink. Auction lots donated by visiting authors and other supporters.  Tickets available online or by telephone on 01988 402333. Bids may also be placed online for auction lots from tomorrow, Wednesday 1 May, with offers accepted until 5pm on Friday, before the live auction at 7pm.  A number of lots will also remain online until Wednesday 15th May at 5pm.  For details please visit the website.

 

Wigtown Spring Fair
Main Hall, County Buildings, Wigtown
5 and 6 May 2013, 10am - 4pm
Free Entry
Browse through an eclectic mix of stalls featuring artisan food and drink, contemporary visual arts, handmade crafts and jewellery, home and garden wares, plants and much more.  With an emphasis on high-quality, unique products, from Dumfries and Galloway and beyond, it’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and treats.  Tel: 01988 402036 for further information or visit our website or follow us onFacebook.

Spring Fling Artist in Residence: Joanne B Kaar
RSPB Visitor Centre, County Buildings, Wigtown
25 - 28 May, 10.30am - 5.30pm each day
Joanne, an international artist who works with paper and natural fibres, lives and works from the northerly Dunnett in Caithness and has completed residencies, exhibited in and been comissioned in as diverse locations as Dounraey, North Uist, Korea, Taiwan, Tasmania, Germany, USA and Japan.  Before beginning her residency at Wigtown Book Festival 2012, Joanne made two string dogs Newton and Stewart (named by Wigtown Book Festival goers).  During the Book Festival, Joanne collected grasses and natural fibres from local gardens and used traditional techniques to make simmans or rope.  She invited festival-goers to have a go at 'spinning a yarn' by adding a few words to the simmans as it was made.  Newton and Stewart's story evolved in a random fashion. Come along to see what our artist-in-residence, Joanne B Kaar has made over the winter months using leaves and grasses collected during the Wigtown Book Festival, inspired by the adventures of Newton and Stewart, the local Wigtown Waggers!  Have a go at making your own yarn from local plants and join in the fun adding a few words to write a new chapter in the adventures of Newton and Stewart.  www.joannebkaar.com

Spring Fling
Scotland's Premier Art and Craft Open Studios Event takes place from 25-27 May 2013.  For up to date news and events visit: www.spring-fling.co.uk

 
Spring Sing 
Bladnoch Distillery, Bladnoch near Wigtown
Saturday, 25 May, 8pm till late
Tickets: £7.50 (includes 50p donation to Cancer Research UK Relay For Life Dumfries & Galloway)
Tickets for the Spring Sing concert at Bladnoch Distillery are now on sale at the Box Office, County Buildings, Wigtown, tel: 01988 403222.  A unique opportunity to hear five distinctive singer-songwriters from the Machars performing all original music in a range of personal styles: Steve Dowling, Zoe Bestel, The Cochranes, The Mermaidsand Hope London.  The event is part of the Spring Fling artists open studios Fringe, and a great way for studio-goers to relax, enjoy some Bladnoch whisky and experience music as diverse, individual and interesting as the art along the trail.
Supported by Spring Fling Fringe, Bladnoch Distillery and Huey Dowling at Unit 7 Studio (audio). Bar provided by The Bladnoch Inn.



'Festival Favourites' Recipe Booklet
A collection of favourite recipes from friends, festival-goers, volunteers and local businesses, is now available at £3.00 or £4.00 including post and packaging.  If you would like to order a copy, please emailclaire@wigtownbookfestival.com or telephone 01988 402036.



Support the Festival
As a registered charity, Wigtown Book Festival is increasingly required to raise its funding from private donors.  There are many ways you can support the Festival:

• Become a Festival Friend.  For an annual fee of £20 (renewable 1 July), you will benefit from 10% discount on Festival events, receive an invitation to the Festival Launch party and receive advance notice of special Festival offers and events.
• Become a Friend for Life.  For £200, this includes all of the above benefits plus a pair of free tickets to an event of your choice every year and two pairs in the first year.
• Become a Benefactor.  For £250, your donation will go towards strengthening and developing the Festival eg. by expanding the children's and community programmes as well as purchasing the tehnical equipemnt needed to run a rapidly growing event.  It will not be used for salaries or core costs.  Benefactors will have their names included in a handcrafted Benefactors' Book, as well as in the Festival brochure and on an honour board on public display in Wigtown during the festival, be invited to a dedicated reception with the Festival Trustees, Director and visiting authors.
• Make a Donation.  If you would like to make a donation (of any amount) to support the Festival, it just takes a minute to donate online, please visit www.wigtownbookfestival.com and click on the Donate box at the top right of the screen, you will then be directed to our Paypal page.

Spread the Word
Please help us to spread the word about the warm welcome awaiting you in Wigtown by forwarding this email to your friends.

'Like' our page on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @WigtownBookFest

Our Next Meeting...

Felixstowe Scribblers are reminded that there is no meeting this week... Our next gathering is on Tuesday 7th May when the results of our 1,000 word homework assignment 'Challenge' will all be revealed.

Until next week,

Keep Scribbling!

Wartime memories of Wally Shaw...

Recently the book 'HMS Warspite' arrived from Cairns, Queensland. It was sent by our dear friend and Scribbler from afar, Chris Shaw.

Wally was his father who, when attending a reunion and unveiling a memorial to the warship at Marazion, Cornwall, was asked along with other shipmates to recall memories of their service aboard  the Warspite.

Armed with Wally's written memories, Chris transformed the notes into this wonderful account of his experiences aboard HMS Warspite in World War II.

This relates how Wally, as a fairly typical rating, travelled from his Felixstowe home for the first time leaving behind his wife and baby son...

It is a lovely tribute to Wally and a very enjoyable read.

As Chris says:

Some came home; some didn't.
We salute them all.

Riverside Writers...

 ... next meet on Monday, 29th April at 7.30pm, at West Kirby Library. New members and visitors are always welcome, as are old faces we've not seen for a while.

This month's writing project is on the theme of garden sheds, but if you would prefer to bring along an unrelated piece of writing that is fine too!

Have you got your copy of Riverside Writers' FREE ebook yet? If you haven't got an ereader, you can still read it on your usual PC or laptop. Multiple ereader formats are also available - and it's all 100% FREE! 

Download your free copy of Seaside Stories here:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/241567

We are also accepting submissions for our next free ebook, City Stories. Short stories and poetry set in (or featuring) a fictional apartment in Liverpool's Ropewalks quarter are invited, but please do read the full and updated guidelines here: http://riversidewriterswestkirby.blogspot.co.uk/p/anthology-2013.html

Kind regards,

Adele Cosgrove-Bray.

Riverside Writers Website

 

Adele Cosgrove-Bray's Website 

 

Discover Spooky Cute Designs range of gifts for writers!

United Press Ltd PRESS RELEASE

Writers of the year 2013 are announced

United Press has just announced its Writers of the Year 2013.

In the resultant book are: The late Doreen Marley of Uttoxeter, Maragret Hunter of Stirling, Roger Kingman of Southampton, Anne Jenkins of Abertillery, David Pinn of Camelford and Indrani Ananda of Brighton.

“This is a new venture to encourage people to get more involved in writing and all the 6 winners get 25 copies of the book, which includes photos and profiles of each one, plus their winning entry,” said Peter Quinn, Managing Director of United Press, publishers of the book.

United Press is now inviting more hopefuls to submit their work for the next compilation.

“We like to set writers a challenge,” said Peter “This is how we came up with the idea which led to this book. We decided to run a competition asking writers to submit work in a whole range of different categories. In all, we came up with 6 categories, ranging from long poems to children’s stories and from fiction to true life and we picked a winner in each category.”

Each of the 6 winners receives not only a framed certificate marking their success but also 25 copies of the book - a prize worth almost £250.

“It’s been a delight for us to encourage more people to get involved in writing,” added Peter . “I hope others may be inspired to follow the example of these writers, many of whom have not had anything published before.” If you feel inspired, telephone 0844 800 9177 for details or send some material to “Writers of 2014”, United Press, Admail 3735, London EC1B 1JB.

“Writers of the Year 2013”, priced £9.99, is out now and is available via all good bookshops by quoting the ISBN number  978-0-85781-330-5.

If you would like a copy of “Writers of the Year 2013” to review, please e-mail Claire@unitedpress.co.uk with your full address and we will be delighted to send you a copy.

Here are all the winners. 

WINNERS AT A GLANCE

Children’s Story – The late Doreen Marley of Uttoxeter - “Little Friends”

Childhood Memories - Margaret Hunter of Stirling - “Long Ago and Far Away”

General Fiction - Roger Kingman of Southampton - “The Rendezvous”

True Life Story - Anne Jenkins of Abertillery - “Annie Half A Job”

Epic Poem - David Pinn of Camelford - “The Princess And The Frog”

Long Poem - Indrani Ananda of Brighton - “Shalimar”

www.unitedpress.co.uk

This is Why We Write for Children

Last week's events in Boston stirred up some thoughts about our roles as children's writers. 

I've shared them in a  brief blog post here:

http://www.write4kids.com/blog/2013/04/this-is-why-we-write-for-children

If you have a few seconds, please have a look.  And, if you have something you'd like to share in the comment section, feel free.

Have a wonderful day.

All the best,

Jon Bard

* Managing Editor, Children's Book Insider, the Newsletter for Children's Writers

* Fightin' Bookworm in Chief, The CBI Clubhouse -- The Essential Children's Writing Resource.  Visit http://cbiclubhouse.com and Come Join the Fightin' Bookworms!

Hi folks,  Jon from Children's Book Insider here with an update on all the cool new stuff waiting for you at the CBI
Clubhouse.

While most of our content is only for our paying members (a.k.a. Fightin' Bookworms) we have made some of the goodies open to everyone. 

Look for the icon that says "Free Content" for items everyone can view. 

And to get everything, Come Join The Fightin' Bookworms!

---

 

Your Writing Coach Teresa on the 5 Things You Need to Know About Your Characters 

  
 

Before your readers get to know your characters, you need to understand them inside and out. Here’s how!

http://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/2013/04/your-writing-coach-teresa-on-the-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-your-characters/

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Member Appreciation Gift of the Month!

 
 

Just for our members -- a complete five-part social media course that makes mastering Twitter, Facebook, Google + and LinkedIn a breeze!  A $79 value... and our gift for Fightin' Bookworms.

http://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/2013/04/member-appreciation-gift/

NOT A MEMBER? 

Join now and get this incredible gift instantly (along with 3 more awesome bonuses).  Check it out here:

http://www.cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/join/

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The 5 Biggest Picture Book Mistakes – Are You Guilty of These?

 
 

by Linda Arms White, CBI Expert Guide 

Of all the mistakes Linda’s seen made in picture book manuscripts, 5 stand out as being the most prevalent. Read this — and avoid an
instant rejection!

http://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/2012/05/the-5-biggest-picture-book-mistakes-are-you-guilty-of-these/
    

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5 Steps to Building a World in Sci-Fi & Fantasy

 
 

By Jane Choate, CBI Expert Guide

Sci-fi and fantasy are very hot markets.  Here's how to get off to a great start writing about "otherworldly" things.

http://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/2013/04/5-steps-to-building-a-world-in-sci-fi-fantasy/

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Create a Query Letter That Gets a "Yes!"

 
 

By Jane Choate, CBI Expert Guide

Your query letter gets about 10 seconds of an editor’s time. Here are five unique ways to make sure that your letter stands out — and grabs an editor’s attention.

http://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/2012/01/create-a-query-that-gets-a-yes/

     

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Free eBook! A Visionary Take on Copyright, Marketing & Much More

Can you become a successful author by giving away your work and focusing on community building? YA/Sci-Fi sensation Cory Doctorow says yes, and in this CBI exclusive eBook, he tells all!

http://cbiclubhouse.com/clubhouse/2011/06/free-ebook-a-visionary-take-on-copyright-marketing-much-more/

   

Enjoy....and keep writing!

Another short story competition...

I thought you might like to know about the Short Story competition run by The Cremona, a 4 star Bournemouth B&B. 

First prize: weekend B&B for two (sharing) plus £50 cash.

Full details at www.cremona.co.uk

Martin West

SHORT STORY COMPETITION

FELIXSTOWE BOOK FESTIVAL SHORT STORY COMPETITION

THEME- “A sense of place”

LENGTH 1500 words

JUDGES Novelists Ruth Dugdall and Mark Mower

Closing date Monday 27 May 2013

Eligible to enter-Anyone 18 or over (There is a separate competition for younger authors)

Entrants should take 2 copies of their entry (or send it) to Felixstowe library 

Crescent Rd  Felixstowe IP11 7BY 01394 625766 (closed Mondays)

Your name and address should appear on a cover sheet but NOT on the actual story.

All genres acceptable

Entry fee £5

The winning entry will be read to an audience at the Book Festival on Sunday 16^th June evening

It will also be published in “Suffolk” magazine

Cheques payable to Felixstowe Book Festival and attached to your cover page

Thank you for your support of this event

Meg Reid Festival Director

meg@megreid.co.uk

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE FELIXSTOWE SCRIBBLERS HELD ON TUESDAY 16^TH APRIL 2013 AT THE ‘ROOM AT THE TOP’ IN FELIXSTOWE LIBRARY

Apologies were received from Angela and Cathy.

A lively and very enthusiastic meeting, commenced at 19.30 hours and those present were:

Dave, Barry D, Barry M, Les, Dick, Liliane, Beryl, Tony, Susan, Ray, Martin and myself.

It was good to have Martin back after his lengthy work course, Ray after being under the weather followed by a spell away and also to Susan who came along for the first time this year.

Tony had some great feedback about his fantasy fiction from a publisher.  Two and a half pages and because they aren’t dealing with fantasy fiction anymore they hoped he would get a publisher that he so deserved. They hadn’t replied for some time because they wanted everyone in the office to read before they got back to Tony.  Praise indeed, for Tony’s great writing.

This evening we all had to look and observe a photograph that was taken and supplied by Barry M.  Then we wrote about what we could see within the photograph, then given thirty minutes to write about it.

Susan:  The Bath -  About a young family who were ready to move on and this included moving house.  Boxes were pack but it was going to be a difficult move..  They didn’t really want to leave because of the memories they had in this place.  A lost child after a home water birth was very difficult to cope with.  A lovely couple who both knew how the other felt, sharing in their loss and grief.

It was Samantha’s Birthday surprise what could it be?  Into the forest they trundled and to her utter surprise they came across a bath full of memories.  It would be left there forever and always.

Dick: Back To Nature – Belonging to the Woodland Trust they could go on a little break in a caravan very cheaply.  It had a clean toilet, no shower or bath.  It was possible to have a bath in the open on a bed of dried leaves.  The Birds would be singing and it would be back to nature. In the summer it would be ok but not in winter. The bath would be delivered to the caravan and as the true measurements were taken some could kick the fallen leaves around.

Liliane: The Bath In The Woods: After a half hour stroll in the woods we came across a bath.  We hadn’t found any bluebells unfortunately.  Susie asked Karen and Garth what was the ‘white thing’ they had come across in the woods.  What is it doing here?

 We would need a pond of water to fill it but we could light a fire and heat the water. Someone living in the woods, a witch for instance could enjoy the privacy of having a dip.  We have to go home now as we will all need a bath.  Mum and Dad would never take a bath in the woods but it could be fun.  On their next venture into the woods the bath had vanished.

Beryl : The Gang of Four – There was Tom, Georgie, Jojo and Perry just like those from the Just William Books.  Tom was the gang leader but the others would take it in turns to be leader.  They had all heard about an elderly couple Bob and June being robbed and all felt it was absolutely unthinkable.  A Gang had stripped the house, while they were away on their annual holiday.  Whilst the gang were exploring in the woods they came across the bath and were determined, to find the rest of the stolen goods and return them to their rightful owners.

Martin : The Pirate Ship – It was springtime in the woods and the boys were running and laughing.  They were wavering this way and that. There were shimmering canons on either side of the Orwell Bridge.  Bench Wood Alan sat there with his woolly hat, He might have cold hands but he had a warm heart thinking about mermaids singing and laughing in caves.  Viewing the blue bonnets in all their glory.  

Barry M: The River Trip – Beth couldn’t find Jasper her Collie dog.  She started to call and run to see if she could find him and as she did so tripped over a branch and twisted her knee.  Jasper was gone and she didn’t know where she was, though what she did know was that it was somewhere in the middle of the woods.  Suddenly she found herself sat in a bath drifting down steam.  The warm rain was running over her eyes, nose and it was thundering too. Out of nowhere Jasper was suddenly licking her face and she knew all was well.  

Tony: The Cup Final – There had been flash flooding and the teams arrived to a very soggy pitch.  The supporters arrived at the venue and stretched their limbs when they embarked, ready for the anticipated match.  There were no ablution facilities which encouraged them to spray deodorant all over the place, even though they knew they should behave or they would be banned!  The teams were Bath and Waterlooville playing in the Domestos Cup.  The rear guard were plugging holes and breaking free but neither side were prepared to lose.  Then Kevin Beday sent a cross to the far right to Keith Plug then there were hot flushes and overflowing attempts.  The final score was Bath 1 – Loo 0.  

Barry D: A Walk In The Woods – Woods of late had hardly ventured from his armchair but was persuaded to take the dog for a walk, even though he knew he would have to drag her out.  A few hundred yards into the walk there it was, ‘taps ‘n’ all.  It must have taken two or people to drag it this distance but why?  Molly had found it by sniffing deep into the woods.  She shot forward and was sniffing and barking.  To their great surprise they came across some puppies with little waggy tails.

Ray: Sweet Lorraine – Johnny disappeared after all the mourners were gone and Ruth was worried about him.  Johnny had used his pocket money all those years ago to buy a rose bush to mark the grave of an unnamed British fighter pilot shot down during the war.  He came across the grave when he scrambled through barbed wire fencing, back in 1959 in Farnborough Hampshire, when he just wanted to ‘get away from it all and everyone.  Ruth somehow knew this day, that her time with Arty was over.

Caz : Bathtime Blues – I got in from work exhausted and hot and all I wanted was a nice hot soak in my bath.  Surrounded by scented candles and a large glass of chilled chardonnay.

I chopped a few vegetables and put in some spices and herbs, added olive oil and popped it in the oven.  It would be something to get my taste buds going whilst having my luxurious long soak. I popped some washing on too, saving myself some time in the morning, as I had plans to have a long walk with the dog in the forest, at my favourite time of the year.  Cold but dry with hopefully with hundreds of crispy leaves underfoot.  One of the best things about this time of year in the forest is that you hardly ever meet a soul and I love that.

I headed upstairs and wondered where Stuart was.  He’s usually home by now but no sign of him or the car.  He must be having a swift one in the pub down the road.  He’s been doing a lot of that lately.  We have been drifting apart more and more and I didn’t know whether we were ok or not half the time.

I stripped away my clothes and went into the bathroom and got the shock of my life! There was a huge great hole where the bath should be and I just had such a shock. So instead of sipping my wine I just drank it down in one.    I needed to speak to Stuart to ask him what the hell he thought he was up to.  Stripping out the bath and just leaving without any note of explanation or even a call or text to say what was going on.

Next morning I crawled out of bed.  No sign of himself. But I was determined to walk in the woods to clear my head if nothing else.  Charlie and I had a great walk. On the way home I could see something in the distance but couldn’t make it out.

Here on one of my most favourite trails was my bath. Charlie barked and jumped in and out as if he knew it was our bath.  

On returning to the house another row ensued, just for a change, and Stuart slammed out of the house.  As I headed to the bathroom just in the hope that the bath had been installed I was horrified to discover that now the loo was gone too ....

Les: My Bath Day: Stroppy Sewer – It took 9 hours for Victor to do something naughty.  In smelly clothes he dashed in but there was no bloody bath to rinse or wash.  Who doesn’t have a bath? Started really ranting now, ‘a proper bath’.  What if we reported it the police would only laugh what’s the point.  Someone must have dragged it out there with the corpse intact! Someone must have seen something?  Then a bright spark said, 'Ain’t it time you had a shower fitted Sid?’.

Dave :  If You Go Down To The Woods Today – Plumber, trees, Rendlesham forest where the bath was fixed. To have it re-located.was double the price.  Tricky bit, fitted to Anglia Water’s mains.  A bath in the forest –folk in cloaks and hoods, humming and singing. A woman in the bath.  Shinned up tree to see what was going on whilst above a squirrel was nibbling his nuts.  A rainbow of vibrant utopia appeared.  Then the plumbers mate ran off as flying saucer landed.

Sorcery, witchcraft, military, Americans firing at the objects in the sky.  Airmen were running  everywhere so fearful.  There were weird witches dancing, prancing around whilst the naked woman and my bath were taken into the spaceship.  There was a whirring as the spaceship zoomed upwards. Then I was arrested for being an Alien in my own County of Suffolk!

Once again an interesting a varied evening was had by all. 

The Next Meeting will be held in three weeks time on Tuesday 7^th May at 7.30 at the ‘Room at The Top’ in the library. The homework theme is ‘CHALLENGE’

Look forward to seeing you all then - in the meantime take care and Keep Scribbling!

Caz Wilkinson

Joint Secretary

Tonight's meeting...

It was a good turn out this evening with the welcome return of Susan, Ray and Martin.

This was a creative writing exercise based on a photograph supplied by Barry M depicting a white bath in the forest! 30 minutes were set aside for the writing, then a short break for refreshment before the stories were relayed to one and all. And what gems they were.

We have a fascinating circle of creative writers for not one story was similar to another and every single one deserved top marks for their authenticity. It provided another thoroughly eclectic evening.

There is a two week break before our next meeting, on 7th May, when the 1,000 homework assignment will be "Challenge". A challenge in itself!

Keep Scribbling!

Prole books call for submissions and competition

Prole Poetry and Prose

If you could share the following information with your members, we would be very grateful. Prole is a print literary journal based in the UK, attracting international submissions and readers.

Prole, Poetry and Prose is open to submissions of fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry all year round. We are open to all forms of writing, the only criteria being quality. We consider quality writing to engage, challenge and entertain the reader. Full submission details are on our website here: http://www.prolebooks.co.uk/page3.html  

We have also just launched our Prolitzer Prize for Prose Writing. Details are below.

Prize	Winner: £140, Publication in Prole 12 in December 2013 2 x runner up prizes of £30, possible publication
Judge	Jaki McCarrick Jaki was recently published alongside Jeanette Winterson and Will Self in Best British Short Stories, 2012 (Salt) and has just released her first solo collection, The Scattering (Seren) – both highly recommended.
Time scale	We will receive entries from April 1st to September 30th 2013 Winners will be announced in issue 12 of Prole in December and on our website by December 7th2013
Details	We are looking for prose, fiction or creative nonfiction, of no more than 2500 words that epitomises the editorial values of Prole: to make writing engaging, accessible, entertaining and challenging. Any theme or subject matter is acceptable – it’s quality that counts. All work must be the original work of the writer and be unpublished.
Fees	£4.00 for first entry, £3.00 for any subsequent entries.
How to enter	Via our website and email – preferred – www.prolebooks.co.uk Visit the prose competition page at our website and make the correct payment using PayPal. Email your entry, including the text and PayPal transaction number within the body of the email, to: prosecompetition@prolebooks.co.uk By post Make a cheque (GBP only, please) payable to Prolebooks for the correct amount and mail entry to: Brett Evans Prolebooks 15 Maes-y-Dre Abergele LL22 7HW
Profits	Any profits made from our competition help to support the work we do at Prole. We are independent; we receive nor seek funding.

If any of you members would like to read of copy of Prole, these can be obtained from our website:www.prolebooks.co.uk

We have also just relaunched a very successful poetry pamphlet, Close to Home, by Michael Crowley. On Close to Home, Sabotage wrote: It’s a pamphlet of assured maturity and quiet strength

If you can support us by sharing this information, then we’re very grateful.

Brett Evens, Phil Robertson

Editors, Prole