Ever been successful in a story competition?

[SideshowBoob]

Just interested, really. Ever won/been shortlisted?

I have won a couple, been shortlisted in several. It's exciting and helps with the demoralisation that comes with writing. The best wins are ones which lead to more work, or that give you a contact or two in the publishing industry.

How about you?

I've never entered any, but I'm hoping to enter some soon and make a habit of it. Even the completion/submission will be an achievement at this stage!

Well done on your successes!

I won a short story comp a few years ago, got £130 and thought oooh this could be a nice little earner. Then got preg with DC1 and haven't done a lot since

Well done for the comp, Lozario. But you can do short bursts of writing - if longer pieces are problematic. Good luck!

Punkatheart you're right of course - I should get back in the saddle

Just out of curiosity - where do you find the info for these competitions or find out about them. I've written a few stories for fun and a few people have said they are good...

But what do I do with them? Where do I look?

Please and thank you x

Try Prizemagic or do searches for writing competitions. The more writers with whom you mix, the more comps you get to know...

In the last two weeks, I have won a comp and bombed in another. Ah, the life of a writer. But from the first, I am getting some work. Hoorah!

Never. DD has though (I'm worse than my DD... How sad is that?)

That's great about your DD - something to encourage. But you would be amazed how many people say 'I never win any writing comps' and then when you question them - they either don't enter any - or they enter the very few.

Why not enter a small comp or chance your arm by entering a big no entry fee comp? Or hone up your skills via a writing site?

The thing about comps is you can build up a portfolio of shortlistings and wins...but it's fun too!

I have done. A very good story will always find a home. It's a fine art, matching story to comp.

It is indeed, airforceone.