I got an email from a chap called Rory at the beginning of this week complaining that this screenwriting blog talks too much about screenwriting and not enough about novel writing. Sorry about that. So, in the interests of fairness, I decided to look for a few competitions on short stories since I know a lot of you out in www.land like to write them. This one, near me, may be of interest:

Twyford Writers third annual short story writing competition

Closing date: 30th June 2007

Twyford Writers is proud to announce the third annual short story writing competition on the subject of:

The Seven Deadly Sins:

Avarice
Envy
Gluttony
Lust
Pride
Sloth
Wrath

Which one is your favourite?

Avarice – when you just have to have it, whatever the cost
Envy – what’s theirs should most definitely be yours
Gluttony – another slice? Why not?
Lust – need you ask?
Pride – oh I’m good, I’m very good. Hey, look at me
Sloth – just can’t be bothered
Wrath – don’t make me angry, you won’t like me when I’m angry

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there at one time or another – life throws a bit of temptation your way and you’ve just got to grab it with both hands. It’s only natural. Well, that’s what you tell yourself as you sit there in that swanky restaurant, tucking into yet another extra large portion of black forest gateaux. And as you sit there in your designer outfit with all your posh friends, you’re convinced that what you really want is their lifestyle, their partner, their everything. It might just make you mad, if it weren’t too much trouble. Not fair, is it?

So, can you come up with a story based around one, or more of the seven deadly sins? Have you got a tale of desperate desires or sinful situations? Yes? Then we want to hear from you. Let your imagination roam wild – any style or genre is acceptable.

Competition Rules

1. All entries must be previously unpublished and entirely the entrants’ own work and must be no longer than 3,500 words. Simultaneous submissions are allowed.

2. Each story must be accompanied by a £3.50 entry fee (Cheques/Postal Orders made payable to ‘Twyford Writers’).

3. Prizes shall be awarded as follows: 1st £200, 2nd £100, 3rd £50

3. Entries must be in English on single sides of A4 paper, page numbered and preferably double-spaced.

4. Each entry must be accompanied by a top sheet to include the story title, word count, entrant’s name, address, telephone number and email address (if applicable). The stories themselves must bear no identifying marks other than the story title.

4. The closing date for receipt of entries is 30th June 2007. Winners will be notified by August 31st 2007.

5. Entries should be sent to:

TW Short Story Competition
Oakleigh
Ashbrittle
Wellington
TA21 0LH

6. Entrants wishing their stories to be returned after the judging period must enclose a suitably stamped, self addressed envelope.

7. Entry into the competition shall be deemed as acceptance of the rules.

8. The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence shall be entered into.

May even have a go myself: entry fee is very reasonable. As far as I can see, you don’t need to live in Devon or Somerset or even the UK. As always, let me know if you have a go. Remember: you gotta be in it to win it!