Best pets

Here's the latest short story competition from Best. 

Over to you - and another opportunity from The People's Friend

In case you missed it, here's another opportunity from The People's Friend. It's not as good as £10,000 for a single story, but any increase in the amount of fiction being published is good news.

Do you have any writing news?

Do you know any market news? Have you heard about any free to enter writing competitions? Or come across calls for submissions or other opportunities?

Are you researching, writing, subbing? Had any acceptances or rejections? Still waiting to hear back on outstanding submissions? Do you have a question? Can you offer tips or encouragement to other writers?

Any other writing related news, questions and comments are also welcome and appreciated. As well as allowing us all to share information, help and encourage each other, comments show editors, competition organisers and others that the blog is read and will therefore be more likely to answer my questions, or provide information for me to share with you.

Feel free to use these photos as picture prompts. If you'd like written writing prompts, short exercises and story/scene suggestions then you might find this book useful.

I'm also taking part in a promo thingy. If you're interested in finding new mysteries, crime stories and police procedurals to read (or are just curious) take a look here.

Free entry writing competitions, an opportunity and promo news

Free entry writing competitions

For this short story competition, you only need write between 400 and 500 words, and they've already done the first few for you! First prize is $100 Aus. You don't need to be Australian to enter.

For this one you have to be a British national or UK resident - there are other requirements too. Both the maximum word count and prize are bigger - 8,000 and £15,000.

Opportunities

If you're interested in getting agent representation, and are in an under represented category (defined as writers of colour, disabled writers, LGBTQIA+ writers, and working class writers in this case) take a look here. Thanks to Sheila Crosby for that one.

My news

I have another new book out!

SLIGHTLY SPOOKY STORIES V

Ghosts, sixth sense and things not of this world aren't always scary, though they can be. Some help or warn, frighten or comfort those who perceive them. Others are here for their own purposes, waiting for a chance to move on. We might see, hear or feel them, perhaps they'll only reach us through our subconscious.

Are ghosts memories and echoes of the past, contacts from another time and place, or figments of our imagination? Whether you believe in them or not, ghosts, spirits and mysterious spooking happenings all provide stories. This collection contains 24 of them.

I'm also taking part in a promo thingy. If you're interested in finding new mysteries, crime stories and police procedurals to read (or are just curious) take a look here.

Free fiction (and non-fiction) competitions for February

 

Free entry competition news

Thank you to Sharon Boothroyd for the reminder of the W&AYB short story competition, with the prize of an Arvon residential writing week.

Thanks to Fiona for passing on this essay writing competition. There's a £1,500 prize, but you must live or have been born in Scotland, or have a long term association with the country in order to enter. (Which gives me the perfect opportunity to litter this post with photos from my trips there!)

Thanks to Alyson for this one – from On the Premises.
VEHICLE

For this contest, write a creative, compelling, well-crafted story between 1,000 and 5,000 words long in which some kind of vehicle plays an important role. Merely using the vehicle as a simple plot device or to help characters get somewhere is not enough. For instance, "While flying home I made a bunch of new friends on the flight" isn't good enough, because the same story--making new friends--could easily be told without the plane.

One entry per author. No fee for entering. Maximum length of 5,000 words and minimum length of 1,000.

If a novel series is something you'd like to try yourself, take a look at this competition (thanks again to Fiona for this one.) They already have some ideas for the stories they want, but authors are invited to submit their own ideas for developing the series.

Both published and unpublished authors may apply. The prize is a five book contract (for each of the six briefs). If I wasn't already working on a series, I'd be very tempted to try - I'd probably go for the gothic house one, but the queens one also appeals and the research would be interesting.

Other publication opportunities

And thanks again to Sharon Boothroyd for sending this link to a publisher inviting novel submissions. Submissions close 28th March. Sharon points out that this is a small publisher, which can have advantages and disadvantages.

Over to you

Do you have any writing news?

Do you know any market news? Have you heard about any free to enter writing competitions? Or come across calls for submissions or other opportunities?

Are you researching, writing, subbing? Had any acceptances or rejections? Still waiting to hear back on outstanding submissions? Do you have a question? Can you offer tips or encouragement to other writers?

Any other writing related news, questions and comments are also welcome and appreciated. As well as allowing us all to share information, help and encourage each other, comments show editors, competition organisers and others that the blog is read and will therefore be more likely to answer my questions, or provide information for me to share with you.

Feel free to use these photos as picture prompts. If you'd like written writing prompts, short exercises and story/scene suggestions then you might find this book useful.

Don't forget to check the submissions database for details of which magazines publish fiction under what terms, and how to submit.

Free entry competition news

Thanks to Fiona for the link to this poetry competition. I can't help with the verse, but if you need assistance drinking the prize, you can count on me!

My news

My latest cosy crime novel is out now!

Thank you so much to those who have already ordered, or reviewed it, those who are going to, and everyone who helps spread the word that the book is on sale.

Updating and free entry writing competitions.

Womag news

TPF have answered some of the questions about their bursary prize, which were raised in my last post and elsewhere, on the fiction editor's blog. Now I understand where the prize money is coming from, I can understand why this prize is for new writers only. They've also updated the rules for the competition, which I'm less positive about.

I've started updating my magazine fiction submissions database. If you spot anything which isn't right, or even better have something to add, please let me know (in a comment, email, tweet etc)

Free entry writing competition news

This competition is for the best piece of writing of to 2,500 words (fiction or non fiction) on the theme of language and offers a £3,000 prize.

And here's a poetry one from the same people, with the same prize.

This competition is for stories of 400 - 500 words (written to a supplied prompt) and offers $100 AUD as first prize.

Other opportunities

Thanks to Sharon Boothroyd for this publication opportunity – "The Daily Mirror are now publishing short stories in their community page.
500 words and you need send a photo of yourself. 
There's no fee. 
I guess they'd want stories that reflect modern society in some way. They'd need to appeal to a newspaper readership of both sexes and ages."

If you have books to sell, then having work published in a national paper might be good publicity – but there's no guarantee it will help sales (it didn't for me the one time I tried it). There's also the possibility that publishing credits will help when submitting to agents/publishers, or impress your granny, or just make you happy. 

btw, although they don't pay for fiction, there's a chance to earn money from non fiction stories here.

My news

My cosy, romantic murder mystery, Acting Like A Killer is currently on offer for 99p (or 99c).

If you like cosy mysteries, you might like to sign up for one or more author's newsletters here, and get a free ebook each time.

Exciting opportunity from The People's Friend

For a while now The People's Friend have been hinting at an exciting new opportunity for writers. Thanks to Liz for solving the mystery by sending me the details. 

I'm not sure why they're doing this, as they're not short of writers, but it really is a great opportunity for someone. If I'd seen this as a new writer I would most definitely have entered.

If you're thinking of having a go, do visit their website to check all the details (I couldn't find the page) to check you're eligible. If you are, I strongly suggest buying the current issue and the special and reading them thoroughly before writing your story. 

Once you have a draft of your story get the next copy, read that and then your story to try to gauge if it fits. As they're asking for something 'suitable for the Friend', I don't think this will be the time to push the boundaries.

Good luck if you do enter!

Update - There's now a post on TPF fiction editor's blog about this. (Thanks,  Alyson)

Happy New Year !

Happy New Year, everyone!

I hope you've had a pleasant time during the festive period. Is it over for you now, or do you carry on until 12th night? 

I'll be continuing to take things easyish until Saturday - then will be back to my normal writing and blogging routine. (Blog posts will be the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, with additional posts for breaking news, guest posts, or anything else which seems appropriate.) Until then, here are a couple of snippets of news.

Womag news

I had a message from Bauer (publishers of Take a Break's Fiction Feast, and other magazines) about invoices. I asked about this and have been assured we don't need to do anything new, it's just that the electronic paperwork might look a little different.

The People's Friend Fiction editor's blog contains details of the stories they're looking for, plus another hint about exciting news.

My news

The first novel in my cosy mystery series is ready for launch later this month and can be pre-ordered now. Currently a few people are reading ARC*s and I'm nervously waiting to find out what they think of it. 

*Advance reader copies. These are books, usually ebooks, sent out to people who volunteer to read and leave an honest review when the book is released. The hope is that this will encourage others to buy it as well as increasing the book's visibility on Amazon. It's not something I've tried before, but is quite common both with Indie and traditional publishers.

Have you made any writing plans for the year ahead? Mine are to continue with my novel series (book 2 is currently with my lovely beta readers and I'm trying to decide which of two possible ideas to work on for book 3). I also plan to get back to writing short stories - both for womags and competitions. I've not written any since the summer, and miss doing them.

Until next year...

This will be my last post until next year. By then the days will be getting lighter (for those in the northern hemisphere), most of the festive food will have been eaten and we'll all be making great progress with our 2024 plans and resolutions ... or at least thinking about getting started on them, or feeling pleased we've not made any.

Next year is also when I'll be releasing the first book in my cosy mystery series. As part of the marketing plan I'm trying to build up my newsletter mailing list. To help do that I'm taking part in a joint promotion with other authors of mystery, thriller and suspense books. Around 70 of us are offering a free book (some samples. some full novels) to those who join our lists. If you're interested in reading that genre, take a look here and pick up some freebies. You can take part whether or not you're on my mailing list and can sign up for as many, or few, as you wish – and of course you can unsubscribe from any of them at any time.

Thanks to Aly Rhodes for the link to this free to enter competition – and also this one.

Until 2024, Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays, Best wishes for the New Year – basically I hope you enjoy yourself in your own way, no matter how and what you celebrate.

I'd love to hear about some of the things you enjoy about this time of year. 

For me, it's walks on clear bright days, Christmas pudding, getting cosy under a blanket to read, listening to traditional carols, a glass of Baileys, shiny lights, excessive baking, and of course being in contact with loved ones.

Over To You

  

Do you have any womag news?

Any market news? Are you researching, writing, subbing? Had any acceptances or rejections? Still waiting to hear back on outstanding submissions? Do you have a question? Can you offer tips or encouragement to other writers?

Any other writing related news, questions and comments are also welcome.

Feel free to use these photos as picture prompts. If you'd like written writing prompts, short exercises and story/scene suggestions then you might find this book useful.

Don't forget to check the submissions database for details of which magazines publish fiction under what terms, and how to submit.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. As well as allowing us all to share information, help and encourage each other, comments also show editors, competition organisers and others that the blog is read and will therefore be more likely to provide information for me to share with you.

(Edited to say - there will be one more post before Christmas, then I'll be taking a break until sometime in the New Year year.)

Virtually saying it with flowers

Thanks to everyone for your good wishes and comments on the last post, and for the lovely virtual flowers! Sorry I'm not getting time to reply to everyone, but I do read and appreciate them all. 

Here are a few flowers in return.

btw, I changed something on my computer and can now see the adverts on this blog. Sorry, I can't avoid them. Please be VERY cautious of any of the writing ones. I definitely DO NOT endorse the companies concerned. Some might well be fine, but I saw one requesting submissions which is a well known vanity company.

Call for submissions

Thanks to Fiona (who has a story in this year's anthology) for this call for submissions to Bridge House Publishing. The authors of selected stories will get a share of the royalties and can buy books at a discounted rate.

Free entry writing competitions

This short story competition has the theme of near future manned space exploration and offers paid publication to the winner.

Here's a Valentine's poetry competition with a prize of £100 in vouchers.

Thanks to Alyson for the link to this flash fiction competition. The prize is a £50 voucher.

Thanks to Fiona for the link to this short story competition from W&AYB which offers an Arvon course, worth £850 as the prize, and also for this one. You'll need to read all the info carefully, but it looks as though they're open to almost anything creative about a particular area of Colchester – Submissions could be in the form of, but are not limited to, poems, riddles, local advice, anecdotes, short stories, photography with captions, short films or spoken word. There doesn't seem to be a requirement to live locally. The top prize is £300.

My news

I've not had time to work on short stories, but have made reasonable progress with my cosy crime novel series. The second book is now with my lovely beta readers. 

As part of my marketing efforts for this series, which will launch early next year, I've created a short ebook to introduce the location and some of the characters. That's available to anyone who'd like to sign up for my newsletter. If you've already had a link to download the book, then you're already signed up. (This newsletter is about my own writing – it's not an email version of this blog. Sadly I've not been able to get that working properly.)

The latest...

Free entry competition / submission opportunity

Thanks to Marguerite for the link to this short story competition for horror writers. The best will be published and win an Amazon gift card.

I've heard from Doug at Witcraft who are currently running a free entry competition.

Send us skilfully written stories that are brief, humorous and engaging, with the emphasis on wit, word play, absurdity and inspired nonsense. No entry fee. Submissions close December 15, 2023. Word limits: 200-1000. First prize A$50, second prize A$20, third prize A$10, payable via Paypal only.

Send entries to  https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/monthly-humour-competition-C6KF8 

Witcraft are also open to submissions. 

Personal stuff

The family situation I previously mentioned is still ongoing. We're caring for my elderly mother-in-law, who until recently was very independent. She currently requires multiple visits to provide basic care each day. We are getting some help, but as her only other child lives over four hours away and has numerous commitments we're doing most of it. It was hoped that a procedure earlier this week would make a big difference. Unfortunately although it has improved her quality of life she's a long way from regaining her independence. 

Please bear with me if blog posts are lacking in well-researched content, seem thrown together or as though I went out halfway through writing them.

Writing, and the support of writing friends, has been a huge help to me throughout this. Some of the readers of this blog have previously said that feeling connected to other writers via the comments helps them in different ways. For that reason I'll do my best to keep putting up posts.

There isn't anything you can do to help with the family situation (we're getting professional advice and support) but you can help me feel better about largely neglecting this blog by leaving comments to encourage and support each other, and share the news and information I'm not keeping up with.

If you'd like to say something sympathetic, or to cheer me up, please comment with the name of a flower. I'll gather them together into a posie of good wishes.

Free entry writing competitions

 

Thank you to everyone for your kind words in response to my last post, and your understanding of the fact I'm not able to spend much time on the blog at the moment. The family situation is ... ongoing.  By early December things should have changed - hopefully very much for the better. 

In the meantime, there's cake!

Free entry writing competitions

Thanks to Alyson for the link to this flash fiction competition. There's a £50 gift voucher as a prize.

Here's a crime novel competition (for people born or living in Britain only) with cash and an offer of representation by a literary agent as the prize.

Over To You

 Do you have any womag news?

Any market news? Are you researching, writing, subbing? Had any acceptances or rejections? Still waiting to hear back on outstanding submissions? Do you have a question? Can you offer tips or encouragement to other writers?

Any other writing related news, questions and comments are also welcome.

In case you missed it, there's some quite vague, but positive sounding news from The People's Friend here. What do you think they're up to? I'm guessing anthologies, or maybe audio books or a podcast ... OK, I have no idea!

Sorry that I'm not responding to comments or tracking down much info for the blog at the moment. I'm totally fine myself, as is Gary, but a family member has problems and doing what we can for them is taking up a lot of our time. I've managed some writing, and have tweaked my website a bit. 

I changed hosting companies so was forced to sort it out or have it offline until I did. Luckily two brilliant friends have been helping me with reassurance and technical advice.

Feel free to use these photos as picture prompts. If you'd like written writing prompts, short exercises and story/scene suggestions then you might find this book useful.

Don't forget to check the submissions database for details of which magazines publish fiction under what terms, and how to submit.

Free entry writing competition news

Thanks to Fiona for the link to the Love Letters to London competition. There are four prizes of £500 on offer – which makes me feel suddenly fond of the place! There are classes for poetry and not poetry.

Thanks to everyone for your comments which offer support and encouragement to me and each other. That's always appreciated, but even more so when I can't respond as much as I'd like.

No news is... ?

Thank you so much to everyone who downloaded my free mini mystery and/or helped some way in letting others know about it. There were an encouraging number of downloads in the first week. It's remaining free, so you're not too late to get a copy and/or spread the word. The support is hugely appreciated.

Even more thanks to those of you who have left a review or rating, or will do so once you've read it. Seeing those 4 and 5 stars, and knowing people like my character Amelia, really boosted my mood in what was otherwise a difficult week. I'm fine - there's just some 'stuff'. 

Because of 'stuff' we've not been away in the van, so you get photos of the garden, and I've had time for novel writing. I'm now halfway through the second draft of what will be the second book in my cosy crime series.

Free entry competition news

Thanks to Alyson for the link to this short story competition. There's £1,000 on offer for the best crime story set in Scotland.

Here's a crime novel competition. There's a decent cash prize plus the offer of representation. I'm considering entering, but you probably won't want to. Nobody should really - just me!

This competition is only open to people who've lived, studied or worked in Cheshire. (I've probably written a few paragraphs while the van was parked in the county. That might count?) There are cash prizes and book tokens available. There are categories for short stories, plays and poetry.

Womag news

If you've not seen The People's Friend fiction editor's blog recently, and are interested in writing for that market, then I suggest reading the last two posts. (No depressing news, I promise.)

Personally I'd been feeling a bit despondent about the whole womag market - mostly because I never seemed to hear back about my own work and the more general news I was sharing here wasn't exactly cheery. Then I got a remittance advice for a My Weekly story. I'd thought that all my last batch had been rejected. They hadn't, I'd just not received the acceptance.

The following day I had notification that two of my stories are in the current TAB Fiction Feast. The published stories had been accepted quite some time ago and I'd not heard from the editor in what seems like ages so hadn't been hopeful.

The point I'm attempting to make is that although we'll go for periods with no good news, perhaps some bad, we should try not to let it get us down. If we keep writing and sending out work, the next email might well be good news. I really hope there's some on the way to all of you.