The Fish One Page Story prize has had its deadline extended to 31st March, so flash writers who haven't got round to it might want to give it a go:

http://www.fishpublishing.com/index.php

Emma

...speaking of Fish, didn't you have a prize-giving ceremony recently, Emma? How did it go? I read Michael Faber's intro to the anthology and found it enlightening.

Myrtle

Yes, the Fish Short Histories Anthology, now called 'All the King's Men' after the stunningly good winning story. It was a nice occasion; Michel F. was as charming and un-starry as his introductions was (despite his right to be as starry as you please), and it was all friendly and informal, in a hotel in Bayswater.

The Introduction's on the site, for anyone who's interested, and I did think it was a good and interesting look at the particular challenges of short hist. fic. Interestingly, they said that though the entry wasn't huge compared to some of their comps, the average standard of stories was notably high. I have a theory that trying to write historical fiction sorts out the really determined ones from the rest pretty quickly - it's so obvious how much research you have to do that most people don't even start.

Emma

<Added>

Ach! 'as his introduction was

Yes I think you're right, Emma. I have steered away from it so far, being a new writer, but I have a section coming up in the novel I'm currently writing that's to be set in a young mother's home in the 1950s, and even that is a daunting task in my eyes - I'm anxious not to be heavy-handed. If I can pull it off, I might be more brave in future.

Myrtle

Myrtle, if you get stuck for where to find things out, let me know and I'll try to come up with some ideas.

Emma

Ooh, many thanks!

Goodness the entry fee £12. I think that is a lot of money. Maybe a big prize, but I'm not surprised they extended the dead line.

It's very expensive, I know. But at least it's a good prize, and nicely-produced publications. I'd forgotten I'd mentioned the anthology here, or I wouldn't have started another thread about it. Oops!

Emma

It's 12 euros, not pounds, if that is a pound sign in Choille's post. But I confess I have no idea how that converts - guessing about £7?

Postal entry from the UK is £10. For a one-page story! I really think this is too much.

Frances

I know, and the long-story competitions are worse. I told Clem Cairns I hated entering online - which they make cheaper - because you can't control how it looks, and he said they are improving their enter-online arrangements so you can preview it and change things.

Emma

That's good, Emma - I'm glad they're going to make it easier to enter online.

F