Calling all budding short-story writers!

The 2010 Frome Festival short story competition is now open and accepting entries until 31 May 2010. The lucky winners will receive £300 (1st prize), £150 (2nd prize) or £75 (3rd prize) and have their work read by a top London literary agent and featured on the Frome festival website. There are additional prizes for local winners.

For details of how to enter the 2010 competition click on the link under the Short Story heading in the right hand column.

 Now in its seventh year, the competition is going from strength to strength. Last year [2009], it received some 400 entries from around the globe.

This year’s judges are Kate Harrison, the author of six novels, including The Secret Shopper’s Revenge, which was short-listed for the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance; and short story and serial writer Paula Williams from Wookey near Wells, who has had hundreds of her stories published in magazines in the UK and overseas.

From left to right, judges Kate Harrison & Paula Williams and organiser Alison Clink

Speaking about her selection as judge, Kate Harrison said:

‘Short stories are enjoying an incredible surge of popularity at the moment so I’m really looking forward to reading the entries. I got my first publishing deal after winning a competition so I know what a difference they can make. It’s a great chance to experiment with form and style, so I’d urge entrants to be bold and see where the story takes you. Good luck!’
 
Paula Williams added:

‘I am thrilled to have been asked to judge this year’s competition – and more than a little nervous! It’s an awesome responsibility but one I’m looking forward to very much indeed.’

Alison Clink, the competition’s organiser, added:
‘The standard of last year’s entries was impressive, as always, as was the number of local entries. We look forward to seeing just as many in the bulging mailbag between now and 31 May.