Bristol Short Story Prize 2020

                                                                                                                                                                                   Hello Scribblers

           For those who fancy a challenge- the Bristol Short Story Prize Competition is open for entries.

A more generous word-count than we are used to: 4,000 words, though there is no lower limit. Closing date 30th April 2020.

Follow the link below for rules and how to enter.

         https://www.bristolprize.co.uk/rules           

 

                                                                                    Good luck and Keep Scribbling!                                               

1. Closing date for receipt of entries is April 30th 2020 at midnight BST (‘midnight’ meaning the very last second of April 30th 2020).
2. Entrants must be over 16 years old on the closing date, April 30th 2020.
3. The maximum length of submissions is 4,000 words (does not include title), there is no minimum length. Stories can be on any theme or subject and are welcome in any style including graphic, verse or genre-based (Crime, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Children’s etc..) 

Lockdown - so let's start writing again...

I hope, sincerely, that you are all keeping well and clear of this awful virus. It appears from government sources that things will get worse before they get better. It is essential we follow the guidelines and remain in lockdown despite how it makes us feel, by frequently washing hands and practising social distancing whenever we have to collect food supplies etc.

No, I’m not preaching, but like so many of us we have friends and family working in the NHS and other vital services. Let’s try and help them… so be good!

For those who do not, or cannot work, how are you spending your time in the confines of your home?

Like you, Felixstowe Scribblers have felt the shock of the situation and especially by being unable to meet during this crisis, but we survive!

From now we will be suggesting writing assignments and although we are unable to share them in our group meetings, we can at least do so online. We have set up a page on our weblog for “The story of the week” which will start in earnest once your stories have started rolling in. Please send them to scribblers.1@btinternet.com and, with your permission, the best will be posted for one week then replaced by  another. So please regularly check the weblog at https://scribblers2010.blogspot.com/

A story of the week has already been posted, it's from our friend Chris from Cairns in Australia and was received this morning. It is longer than we would normally wish to post but its a starter and its one you will enjoy.

All stories submitted will be securely stored until we have found a password protected site where we can post them all without fear of access by the general public. Watch this space for details.

Also, Justin suggested, then set up a WhatsApp group that is available for all members who have the app. If you don’t then you can still join in by sending your work to scribblers.1@btinternet.com.

Currently the themes are, for the main assignments, 500-750 words on “TRAPPED” preferably before Easter and no later than 14^th April.

The theme for the WhatsApp group is for up to 100 words on “Ready, steady…go” and members of the group can post directly onto the site. The theme changes quite quickly but that doesn’t matter, just post your one hundred worders as soon as you can. 

What is very important is to get back into the routine of writing. Remember, Felixstowe Scribblers have so much talent – and that’s all of you – so we don’t want to see that go to waste do we?

Other competitions are posted on both our weblog and the WhatsApp page whilst there are many other competitions and literary help sites easily found all over Facebook and the Internet. Too many to list here!

Don’t forget the email I sent round on 20 March with ideas and suggestions under the title “Ideas to pass the time of day/days/weeks/months." I can resend it if need be but it would be good to have some feedback from you on its content please.

Hoping to see some of your work in the very near future,

Keep Scribbling and stay safe and healthy.

Dave.

Get Those Marigolds On!

Hi Scribblers

This one really is a flash!
Check out the link below for information about, and how to enter, your 'washing-up' related story!
It's got to be quick.
You've got just fifty words, and five days!
Write your story about washing up- for the chance to win....
A Mug! (A mug that says 'Go Away I'm Writing' to be more specific.)
No entry fee; just click on the link and submit your soapy story.

https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/fifty-words-competitions/write-a-story-about-washing-up

Free Writing Tips Resource- While you're stuck at home

Hello Scribblers

The People at Curtis Brown Creative are offering a free opportunity:

Weekly Writing Workout

While we’re all in this stuck-at-home moment, we’re going to give you a FREE writing lesson per week – you can sign-up at any point to start receiving our Weekly Writing Workout directly into your inbox. This will give you access to weekly teaching notes on topics that we think are useful to writers, and there’ll be a weekly writing exercise for you to have a go at – something to get your creative juices flowing and to let you try out the different ideas and techniques we’ll be covering. 

Follow the link below to find out more

https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/start-writing-while-youre-stuck-at-home/

A Prompt for your Creativity

Hello Scribblers
I hope everyone is coping and keeping safe and well.

I wanted to share something that I have found helpful in the last few days.
I have found it difficult to concentrate on writing, my brain cannot focus. But I have been given some writing prompts and techniques that I have found invaluable, and I thought I would pass them on.

It involves gathering three boooks- any really- but the suggestion is one novel, one poetry and one non-fiction.

Pick out some words from these books- choose a random page and pick out a verb from each book, a noun from each book, a word or phrase relating to the senses (smell, sight, taste, touch), a word or phrase relating to movement, an object, a word that sings to you, a word that makes you uneasy.
Keep picking out words that you are drawn to until you have a list of ten from each book.

Don't write straight away, but sit and dwell on your list, don't think, just let the words mingle in your mind.

Come back to the list in a while, and start writing, using the first word that grabs you. Just write, don't think.
As the inspiration from this prompt dries up, move on to the next word that sparks the story to continue. You don't have to use them all, but keep revisiting the list if the momentum slows.

These words will have been brewing in your mind. Playing with each other in your subconscious.

I tried this yesterday. I was really pleased with my story!
It was rough, rushed and in need of edit, but I'm so glad I did it- my mind felt refreshed by the exercise.
Please let me know if you give it a go.


Keep Scribbling!

BBC Opportunity

This is timely, with another short deadline- but sounds very interesting, and a break from the norm.

The BBC are looking for original short-form scripts, between 5-10mins whose 2-4 characters now find themselves in isolation, but connecting via video conferencing.

Follow the link below for more details- but they are looking for: Scripts that are compelling and hook us in. Ideas that have warmth and spirit, that astonish, amuse or enlighten us. They should be set now or in the near future. 
Deadline: 30th March. Pay: £300 https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/interconnected

Retreat West Competition Deadline 29th March

Hello Scribblers

For those of you looking for competition opportunities, Retreat West have some options.

The next deadline is quite tight- but they also have details of their next three quarterly competition themes. Use the link below to look at their website, find out more about the competition rules and charges for entry.

They also have past winners' entries to read, which is great for honing your own skills.

Retreat West: Themed Flash Fiction Competition

For their 2020 themes, Retreat West have guest judges for each quarter who have chosen their own themes. The winner and two runners-up receive cash prizes and have their stories published on the Retreat West website.Cash Prizes: Winner Prize: £200. Runner-Up Prize  x 2: £100. Word count: Max 500  Guest Judge: Gaynor Jones – Theme: Abandoned – Deadline: 29th March   

https://www.retreatwest.co.uk/competitions/quarterly-themed-flash/