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Saturday, 9 May 2026

Getting away from it all

We're still on our adventures, still having a great time. The pictures are recent views from the mobile writing retreat. I post these daily on Facebook and Bluesky

Magazine news

Thanks to Fiona for the news that Freya at Aquila is looking for short stories (1,000 to 3,000 words) suitable for children 8-13. They're also looking for puzzle writers and historians. 'Basic rate is £150 for 700 words. For non-fiction, send a short paragraph about you with your ideas and a couple of examples of published work. For fiction, send completed short stories. In both instances, email Freya: editor@aquila.co.uk.'


Free to enter writing competitions



Have you written at least one book (fiction, non fiction or poetry) and feel that having time away in an Airbnb property (or more than one) might help you write the next? If so, explain that in Hay Festival's room to write competition and win £1,500 worth of vouchers.


Thanks to Fiona for this competition from The Scottish Wildlife Trust. They want up to 1,000 words in any form, on the theme of changing seasons and Scotland's wildlife and wild places. There's an interesting array of prizes on offer for the winner - plus a couple of small runner up prizes.


Thanks to Alyson for this 6 word competition, with a $100 prize. Hmmm, maybe I do have time to write a whole story after all.

19 comments:

  1. Thank you, Fiona, Alyson and Patsy. What an eclectic mix... again! I can't commit to a regular feature (😜) but this month's BOWW: Patsy, With this ring and S Bee, Makeover magic and The bucket list challenge.
    Hmmm... 6 words? I'll have a go. Continue enjoying your travels, Patsy.

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  2. Many thanks Patsy and Marguerite. I had no idea that I was in BOWW with those 3 re- prints! That's really cheered me up.
    Well done to Pasty and all with positive news.
    Just a reminder that the meet cute opportunity mentioned costs £12 to enter. People think it's free, but it isn't.
    I've subbed most of my Xmas stories now.
    I haven't had any news, apart from the above. It's been really quiet.

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  3. Replies
    1. Still good going, Sharon!

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  4. @ Marguerite - Thanks for letting me know. Like Sharon, I had no idea the story was being used.

    @ Sharon - Nice to be issue buddies, even if we won't get paid.

    Thanks for pointing out the fee for that competition. I'm not getting much time online at the moment and haven't been checking things as well as I should – and some competitions are very bad at making the fact there's a fee clear. I've removed it from the post now.

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    Replies
    1. I joined both of you this month :) Good to be with friends :)

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  5. What an interesting mix of opportunities, thank you Alyson and Fiona, and what a lovely surprise - congratulations Sharon and Patsy on BOWW.
    6 words – I shall think about that one, (oh, in fact that is six words! 😊).
    Dee

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  6. Patsy, you should be able to claim ALCS on re-prints.

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  7. As everyone has said an interesting mix of comps. I'm quite intrigued by the Aquila magazine. Unfortunately I can't find it on pressreader to have a look at the stories they use.
    I sold a Christmas story to TPF this week which I was very happy about.
    Definitely apply for ALCS on the BOWW reprints and congratulations to Sharon and Patsy.
    Alyson

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    Replies
    1. That's lovely having a Christmas story. Congratulations, Alyson. And did I see you feature in a WM shortlist this month ?

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    2. Ah, yes. I was shortlisted, Marguerite. Only got my copy this morning!

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  8. Hi, all. The Aquila opportunity is certainly intriguing - thanks for sharing that one. Congrats to Patsy, Sharon and Marguerite on the Future publication - all three in one issue is great! Like Alyson, I had a Christmas story accepted by The People's Friend this week, and I'm especially pleased because I think it might be my favourite story I've ever submitted. Happy writing, everyone, and I hope you find much inspiration on your travels, Patsy.

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    Replies
    1. I think a Christmas story is that extra bit special: congratulations, Eirin.🙂

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    2. Thanks, Marguerite. Me too.

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  9. Hi everyone, Sorry for forwarding the Meetcute to Patsy and thanks to Sharon for spotting the entry fee. Sneaky!
    I only did a quick check as I’m also travelling (just a few days but six trains and two buses!) and using my phone instead of my iPad. Tiny screen!
    Congrats to all those who’ve had success. Lovely news!

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  10. The Room to Write contest sounds cool.
    Glad you are having a good time!

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  11. Thanks Patsy, Fiona, and Alyson for the competitions.
    Congratulations to those with successes.
    I've not heard anything from recent submissions but am trying to get back writing after other 'stuff' getting in the way.
    Happy writing and travels.
    HB

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  12. Congratualtions to everybody with stories published and accepted. The 6-word competition sounds fun - we're allowed 5 entries each.

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  13. Congratulations on everybody’s story successes. I’ve just had a short story accepted by April at best of women’s weekly after I submitted it to her just a couple of weeks ago as it’s been with Andrew at women’s weekly on file for the last two years so I’m very very happy! Never give up hope!

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