Christmas is coming...

Womag news

Thanks to Alyson for passing on the post from The People's Freind she saw on Twitter (as it once was) Calling all authors! We're looking for short stories from very early spring onwards for the weekly, and from late spring onwards for the Special. Stories for the annual can be considered any time.

Alyson also tells me that TPF are looking for pocket novels. Thanks, Alyson.

Free to enter competitions

In case you missed it, and to make the links work, here's some info on free entry Christmas competitions posted as a comment by Aly Faye last week. Thanks, Aly!

 I do have a couple of links to free to enter Christmas story comps though -

https://weirdchristmas.com/2026/09/27/announcing-the-ninth-annual-weird-christmas-flash-fiction-conthology/
You might have had this one before, Patsy, but here's another from The Writing Club https://thewritingclubroom.com/christmas-ghost-story-competition-2026/ and https://storystreetwriters.com/ keep running micro story comps which I enter and haven't got anywhere (as yet) with :) 
and for those writers living in Yorkshire there's this free sub call https://rickdanforth.wordpress.com/white-rose/
Hope some of this is helpful

Thanks to Sharon B for this great looking opportunity to unpublished writers who consider themselves to be working class. The £200 cash is only a small part of what's on offer to the winner.

On the premises have a short story competition (1,000 to 5,000 words) with a $250 prize. The theme is games.

And here's an email I recieved, updating info I posted previously - Hello Patsy,

Thank you for mentioning Hiraeth Publishing’s Untold Tales of the Round Table anthology. The information in the August 1 post appears to reflect earlier terms. Would you please correct it to:

• Submission deadline: January 1, 2027
• Standard story length: 2,000–3,500 words; the limit is firm
• Payment: eight cents per word, maximum $280
• One specially commissioned King Arthur story may run up to 6,000 words under separately negotiated terms; this is not the general word range

The current official guidelines are at https://www.hiraethsffh.com/untold-tales-guidelines.

Not much happening...

 Sorry, I don't have any womag news or competitions for you. That's probably partly because I'm travelling and so not online as much, but things do seem to be very quiet at the moment. (If you're interested in my travels, you can find more details and photos here.)

Ulverscroft info 

Ceri at Ulverscroft tells me that she only publishes four books per month, and tends to buy quarterly and will only select one book per author per quarter – so you may have quite a long wait for a decision, particularly if you've made multiple submissions. She will let you know if she's unable to use your book, so until you get a reply, there is hope.

My news

The ebook of my romance novel Escape to the Country is currently on sale for 99p. This is the book which Ulverscroft will be publishing as a large print edition. It's already available as paperback, ebook and audiobook.

I'll be posting updates of the process, so you'll know what to expect, should you decide to submit something.

I submitted several novels on 30th July.  These were acknowledged a few weeks later. Escape to the Country was accepted on 13th October. I've yet to receive a contract*, but have been told the terms. I've been given the expected publication date (Ist May) and the ISBN. Of course I'll read it carefully and only sign if I agree, but I'm not expecting a problem.

*I believe the relevant person was on leave. They have been in contact to request banking details.

Do you have any news?

Just my news

 

I'm currently away in the mobile writing retreat, so apologies if posts are a bit thin for a while. (If you fancy seeing where I go and what I get up to, take a look at the blog on my website – I'll be sharing lots of photos there.)

My News

The ebook version of Firestarter is currently on sale for 99p (99c).

Another of my romcom novels, Escape to the Country, has been accepted by Ulverscroft for a large print book as a Linford Romance.

Here's some information about how to submit to them. I'll be sharing some of the details of the publication process as I go through it. So far, I can tell you that books are bought quarterly, so depending on when you submit and how recently they've accepted some, you may have a wait of up to three months to hear back.

What are you all up to?

Some things to try...

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you the photo is a metaphor for taking steps to... um... something to do with writing.

Free to enter writing competition

Thanks to Marguerite for the link to Toasted Cheese's latest winter competition. They want a horror story of 1,000 to 5,000 words. First prize is an Amazon voucher of at least $20.

Other opportunities

The Hudson Review is currently open to fiction submissions of up to 10,000 words. I believe they're a paying market, but couldn't find pay rates on the site. Note - this is NOT a womag type market. They have some samples of previously published work you can read to try to gauge the style they like.

Here's an opportunity for self published and aspiring authors. You need to describe your intended projects in up to 250 words, to apply for a $1,000 grant (although this figure could rise).

My news

Another of my ebooks is currently on offer for 99p / 99c.

Taking care

These are some of the grapes still growing in our garden. We've eaten a lot, and given some away, but there are enough to last another couple of weeks - unless wasps start eating them, in which case I won't go near, as I'm allergic. 

Womag news

Has anyone found suitable, and affordable, insurance appropriate to fiction writers? (If you're wondering what insurance has to do with womag writing, then you probably missed this post and the comments it generated.)

Free entry writing competition

Thanks to Alyson for sending me the link to this short story competition. They're asking for a rewrite of the Goldilocks story in up to 2,500 words. First prize is $100. You do have to join the Writing Club to take part. I've just done that to test it out. They ask for a donation, but you can chose to pay nothing (or any other amount). I signed up for free without any problems. My thinking is that if I decide to stay in the club and enter their competitions, I can donate later – but until I'm in and see what's on offer, I don't know what, if anything, it'sworth to me.

Something different

As the magazine market is shrinking, Fiona thought some of us might like to try playwriting instead. She found this opportunity from Audible for up to 5 people to receive $25,000 to write audio plays. I recently wrote a very short script opening, for a challenge in a writing group I've joined. That was enough to show this format isn't for me! Is it something you've tried, or would like to?

My news

Rather than trying to keep up with several social media platforms, write frequent newsletters, and keep the blog on my website current, I've decided to focus my efforts on the website (which is my own domain, so not splattered with adverts or subject to the restrictions and algorithms used by Facebook etc).  If you'd like to read about my writing life and campervan adventures, nose round my garden, or have a look at the places we visit, then take a look here.)

The little purple book of ideas is (or will be later today) currently on sale at 99p / 99c for the ebook version.

Surprise!

You weren't expecting to see a photo of me in a cart pulled by a wooden horse, were you?

What would you name him? 

Free entry writing competitions.

My friend Sheila (known as Spanish Sheila, as opposed to Irish Sheelagh, as all my attempts to pronounce the names differently have failed) told me about this competition. They want a story with a surprise in 2,500 words or fewer, and offer £100 prize. To enter, you must sign up for the writing club, but that's also free - and sounds potentially useful.

Thanks to Sharon Boothroyd for these two competitions – 

The W&AYB short story competition offers a prize package including publication and a place on an Arvon Residential Writing Week, valued at over £800.

Comma Press also have a short story competition. They want you to use what they describe as 'found text' for the whole thing. That means using something like letters, text messages, emails etc etc rather than ordinary narration. Janice Hallet writes like that, and I enjoy her books, so I know it can be done. First prize is £500. UK residents only.

Womag news

Thanks to Liz for this news - Woman's World have cut their fiction fees in half. A solve-it-yourself mystery is now $200 and romance $250. Their word counts are different too - 400 for mystery plus 40 for the solution, and between 550-680 for romance. 

The future with Future

Future have sent out updated contracts. I'd just like to remind everyone who has received one to read it, and to be sure they understand the terms, and agree to them BEFORE signing it.

I'm currently away from home and not able to read it thoroughly right now. 

UPDATE 24/9 I've now read it, queried the parts I didn't understand and had a reply. I'm now going to have to research insurance for writers.

Meeting friends

 

We're currently away in the van, heading to a family wedding. We've taken the scenic, meandering, circuitous route and met several friends along the way – including Fiona, who often supplies details of competitions and opportunities on this blog, stories for womags and poetry for anthologies, competitions and events.

We've chatted a bit online, but this was the first time in person. We met at Baddesley Clinton. The photo was taken in the library, which had an exhibition about author Lady Georgina Chatterton. She wrote poetry, escapist fiction and travelogues. Fiona and I both liked this quote of hers.

Free to enter writing competition

On the Premises have another mini competition. They want stories of 25 to 50 words, in the form of a list. First prize $35 with other cash prizes.

Womag news

Thanks to Alyson for passing on this message which The People's Friend posted on Twitter. "We're currently looking for stories with a contemporary setting, set from January onwards for the weekly and mid-March onwards for the Special. All word counts welcome but especially 3000 and 2000."

Boo hoo!

 

Free to enter writing competition

Thanks to Sharon for sending me the link to this Christmas ghost story competition. As Sharon says, it doesn't actually have to be a Christmas story. First prize is £100. Max word count, 5,000. (That's the Boo)

This competition is for unpublished authors only. They must be citizens of, or living in the UK or Ireland. The first prize is £3,000, with runners up prizes of £1,000. Max word count 5,000. (Boo hoo, I can't enter!) Sorry - this has just closed!

My news
Most of my ebooks are currently 99p in the UK or 99c in the US. Woohoo! Sorry,  Amazon doesn't currently allow me to set up this deal elsewhere.

Out, and in

The image in last week's post was of the tracks made by seals. Probably bigger ones than this cutie, although he/she was part of the group who'd been hauled out there earlier in the day.

Womag news

The People's Friend fiction editor, Lucy Crichton asked me to pass on the following - 

"After nearly 39 years with DC Thomson - seventeen of those years on 'The People's Friend' - Tracey Steel will be retiring on Friday, October 2nd. 

We're wishing Tracey all the very best for this new, exciting chapter! And we're delighted to be welcoming Fiction Journalist, Lucy Dewar to the Fiction Team. 

Tracey's authors will receive an email with more information, and Lucy will be handling Tracey's authors, poets and pocket novel authors as of October 5th. "

I'm really hoping at least one of her authors will be called Lucy, so she sends out an email saying something along the lines of, Dear Lucy, I liked your story, and have sent it on to Lucy. Best wishes Lucy. I don't know why that should amuse me, but it does! 

I'm hoping to interview Tracey Steele on this blog soon. I'm sure she must have some interesting insights to share!

Other publication opportunities

Short Story Stack pay $100, plus royalties for selected stories. The word count range is from just 6 words, to 10,000 and they even accept reprints, as long as you still hold the appropriate rights.

Other news

You may remember that a while ago, Liz Filluel wrote this post, about having some of her stories which had previously appeared in womags, published by Clan Destine Press. Her book is now available for pre-order and there's a discount if you get in quick.

I'm not sure if it's available internationally, or just in Australia, but I was sure you'd like a look at the cover.

Questions, questions

Today's photo is a quiz!

I do know what it's of, but only because there was some context when I took the image. Care to guess? Or perhaps you know?

Free entry writing competitions

Thanks to Sharon for the link to this poetry competition with a £100 first prize, and book tokens for four runners up.

Here's a playwriting competition. The theme is climate crisis. The prize is £15,000 and develpment support. Entrants to be UK based.

Calls for submission

Thanks to Alyson for sending the details of this call for anthology submissions. It's in aid of Hope Against Cancer, so there's no payment. You have 1,500 to 3,000 words to write a short story on the theme of 'An Act Of Kindness'.

And thanks to Linda Casper for the following – Competition at www.thefirstline.com either a story with their first line or last line.

Winter:
Lawrence was the last to arrive.
Due date: November 1, 2026
Notification: We don't make decisions about submissions until after each issue closes. We typically send notices four to five weeks after the issue's deadline to everyone who submitted. You can also check the website's home page for each issue's production status.

Payment: We pay on publication: $25.00 - $50.00 for fiction, $10.00 for poetry, and $25.00 for nonfiction (all U.S. dollars). We also send you a copy of the issue in which your piece appears. You'll receive your money and issue at the same time.

Request for help

A fortnight or so ago, someone mentioned me having a story in BOWW. I can't remember who, or exactly when it was. If anyone saw the story, can you recall the title, or what it was about?

Just a couple

Everything seems very quiet at the moment. Or maybe I've been so busy concentrating on my novel that I've not noticed what's going on?

Free to enter writing competitions

On the Premises have another mini competition. They want just three sentences - beginning, middle and end. First prize is $35.

This short story competition from Horrortree is for up to 500 words about what happens after you take the last exit. The prize is a print copy of the publication the piece appears in, and a social media feature.

An actual post!

I did get to write a post this week, even if I am finishing it off at the last minute.

These photos were taken by me, but not in my garden.  btw, the photo in last week's post was of brown hares, as I'd not captured any fluffy bunnies with the camera. I'm guessing you all thought I'd mixed them up and are too polite to correct me.

Did you witness the eclipse?

Free entry writing competitions

Here's a competition for plays. The theme is climate change. If the current weather has inspired you, then in you're in with the chance of winning £15,000.

Thanks to Eirin for telling me about the Sunday Post short story competition, as it closes on Friday September 18th. "Entrants must be amateur writers and not selling their work on any platform. "

You have 1,500 to 2,000 words. I don't think there's a big cash prize, but winning this one could be a useful boost to a newish writer hoping to go on to be published.

And thanks, Dee - you know why!

Womag news

I believe Best have a Hallowe'en competition, but haven't seen a copy of the magazine yet. I'll update this post if/when I do.

Eirin has also told me that the cut off date for registering stories with ALCS in time for March payments has moved forward a little, to 31st October. If you'd been intending to sign up with them and not yet got around to it, now would be a good time. Here's why you might want to join.

Oh crikey!

It's Saturday already and I have nothing prepared for a blog post. I'd offer a fluffy bunny by way of apology, but this is the nearest I've got. Will it do? Will you forgive me?

More importantly, what have you been up to? I've mostly been editing the next Little Mallow novel, although I did pause to dash off a short story to send to My Weekly and make a submission to Ulverscroft.

Have you had any successes, or other writing news?

Some better news

You may remember that after I'd posted about TABFF using stories, I was contacted by a journalist who quoted me, and some of you, in an article. I've since been contacted by someone at the BBC! I gave a statement, but haven't heard back so don't know if anything will come off that. I also had another email, which some of you may be interested in. I've copied it, with permission.

Hi Patsy,

I hope all's well with you! I am writing on behalf of Ulverscroft Ltd, a specialist large print publisher.

I saw the sad news regarding AI use in Fiction Feast, which led me to your blog, and it concerned me that this will leave less space for womag writers and their creativity. 

At Ulverscroft, I acquire rights for a large print list - Linford Romance (Linro), which publishes shorter romances (typically 25-60k words). I was wondering whether yourself or other womag writers would be interested in publishing with us? I realise that the Fiction Feast stories tend to be shorter than the typical Linro length, but if you have something slightly longer that wouldn’t fit the magazine submission guidelines, that could work really well.

Please feel free to share this with your peers, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Very best wishes,

Ceri

Ceri Jones

Publishing Executive - Large Print Lead

Ulverscroft Ltd

If you wish to submit something, you can send a pdf or Word document, saying you saw the info on this blog, to editorial@ulverscroft.co.uk 

As a guide to the style, they often use MW and TPF pocket novels, although Ceri told me she can consider titles with 'a bit of spice'. They pay royalties only, with no advance. Their books are often available in libraries, so plr payments are a possibility.

I know that not everyone will have something suitable to submit, but isn't it nice that something positive just might come from all of this for a few of us?

The photos are all from my garden this week. Some plants are suffering, but these have coped with very little water, including none at all for the 15c days I was in France earlier this month.

AI news

I seriously hope this isn't going to be a regular blog section, but I thought you might be interested to know that a BIG name has got involved with the Take a Break Fiction Feast issue. (alternative link)

Sorry, I hadn't realised that you can't see this without an Instagram account. Short version - TABFF are replacing ALL writers with LLM (AI) and this is pretty rotten as they're a big magazine and don't pay writers much anyway. Richard says 'It's crazy'. I think some of their info is out of date (they pay 'low hundreds' per story - I wish!) and they may have confused TAB FF with the weekly mag.

Womag news

Sharon tells me there will be a September issue of TABFF. Neither of us have heard of anyone being asked to submit work. Have you?

Free entry writing competitions

Thanks to Sharon for this competition for empathy boosting stories of up to 550 words. You can submit poetry or prose, in written, video or audio formats. 

This competition is for horror novellas of up to 40,000 words. The prize is $300 plus royalties.

Other publication opportunities

Untold Tales of the Round Table want Arthurian stories, without Merlin as the central character, for an anthology. 4,000 - 10,000 words. Payment is per word.