Free contest, Gatehead Council Short Story Competition 2011, top prize: £40

Deadline: 14 March 2011

Your story can be about a trip or a voyage, real or imagined, on foot or any form of transport you choose. It might also be a series of life changing experiences, you may interpret the subject in any way you wish! Use your imagination and start writing!

Get your story published

The winning stories in each category will be published in Gateshead Council’s own talking newspaper. The paper is produced by AIRS – part of Gateshead Libraries & Arts – and has a large circulation on cassette tapes. We will publish the winning stories to a wider audience on our website (http://www.gatesheadlibraries.com) and they will be available in all libraries in Gateshead.

Need any help? Your local library has details of writers’ groups and creative writing courses in the area.

Competition rules

To enter the competition, complete the entry form here. Please don’t put your name and address on the entry or you will be disqualified. The form is available in Braille and large print. Supply four copies of each story, preferably typed or clearly handwritten in black. You can also enter by e-mail or record your entry. Send a copy of your story to dorothycameron@gateshead.gov.uk – you must include all the details we ask for on the entry form in your e-mail and please save your document in Microsoft Word format or as Rich Text (RTF). We will accept photocopies of the entry form. Entries must be no more than 1,500 words. If you wish to receive an acknowledgment please enclose a small stamped addressed envelope. Please keep a copy of your story as we are not able to return your entries. We cannot be held
responsible for any entries lost or damaged in the post or not retrieved electronically. Entries must be received by noon on Monday 14 March 2011. The judges’ decision is final.

There will be a prizegiving event in Spring 2011.

11 and under:

1st prize £25
2nd prize £15
3rd prize £10

The winner of the 11 and under category will receive the Leviathan Trophy.

12 - 18 years:

1st prize £30
2nd prize £20
3rd prize £15

Over 18 years:

1st prize £40
2nd prize £30
3rd prize £20

Winners in these categories will receive the Eileen Hattam Memorial Trophies. A professional panel will judge entries. Winners will be announced in April 2011. Please note: You may enter the competition if you live, work or receive full-time education in Gateshead. Employees of
Gateshead Council’s Libraries & Arts are not eligible to enter.

More information here.