Just had this forwarded to me, and thought WWers might be interested, specially those who, like me, find the usual word limits ridiculously short:

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From The Royal Society of Literature


The Royal Society of Literature is seeking (urgently, desperately, madly) calibre entries for the V.S. Pritchett short story competition. We are really trying to tap into valued sources of committed writers. We are aware that many writers do not know of this prize. We hope you can encourage entries? This is a great creative opportunity not only offering £1,000 together with prestigious publication, but the chance to write the 'long' short story - rare nowadays - of 2 -5,000 words. Visit http://www.rslit.org/prizes/pritchett.php for application form and details.
Deadline: 14th February 06 but extended to end of week 3 of Feb - Monday 20th Feb.

The Royal Society of Literature
Somerset House
Strand
London

t: 0207 845 4677 (direct line)
f: 0207 845 4679
e: julia@rslit.org

Good God! I've never dared enter for this competition - something about the name V.S. Pritchett I found rather daunting. But perhaps I will now, if they're really short of entries. Thank you, Emma!

Frances

I know, it's surprising. There's a thought that a lot of potential entries have been creamed off by the National Short Story Prize, (though that has more restricted entry criteria), which may be why they're short.

Anyway, nothing to lose, as they say, except £5, of course.

Emma

It's been in Jobs and Opps for a little while, but how encouraging to go for it knowing they are positively wanting more entries! Good luck, anyone who does.

I don't think their PR is very good, or they'd have more, and the tone of the post suggests they know it, too. It's a big prize, and publication too. Good luck, all.

Emma

Yes, I've already entered this, so I'm probably one of the substandard entries they want to forget!!

)

A
xxx

Thanks Emma for highlighting this. Now with two weeks to go have I got time to write something up? Hmmm....

By the way, for those who like short short story competitions, a reminder that the Fish Publishing One Page short story competion (250 words max) closes on March 4th. Entry fee is a bit steep but you do get 1,000 euros plus publication in an anthology for winning.

You can access the website at Fish Publishing

And then we can all look forward to the Bridport and wondering how we are supposed to write novels as well...

Thanks, Emma - well, nothing to lose, other than the fiver, as you say.

Anne, don't do yourself down; it's quantity they need, as well as quality. They're probably putting the emphasis on 'calibre entries' (horrid phrase!) to cover the embarrassment of not having enough entries of any sort. Maybe they just haven't made enough in entry fees to cover the judging session's bill for Chardonnay, let alone the prize.

Emma

Thanks for posting this Emma. Might have a shot - not that I've got anything worth entering.

not that I've got anything worth entering

I'm not usually of the 'all you need is faith in yourself' brigade, but can I suggest not letting your Inner Critic loose on this kind of subject?

Emma

Ah, yes, the inner critic. I'll bind and gag him and lock him under the stairs. But then, you see, there are the judges - what can I do about them?

Nothing. But if you have your Inner Critic well and truly throttled, you won't need to!

Emma

Ah, yes, the inner critic. I'll bind and gag him and lock him under the stairs. But then, you see, there are the judges - what can I do about them?

For a small fee I can supply you with their names and addresses...

Hmm. Yes. Well, I wish it were that simple. I think I can hear some banging from the cupboard under the stairs.