Getting published as a writer in this day and age is increasingly difficult. With so much talent and competition around, it can seem like an impossible task! It’s important for writers to get as much feedback as they possibly can, and perfect their skills to make sure all their work is as amazing as it can be. Since the internet has become a vital tool in networking and getting noticed as a writer, online creative writing competitions are a great way to start off putting your stuff out there. This month the Writers and Artists Yearbook have once again launched their short story competition, designed to help aspiring writers hone their craft and the chance to be published on the internet.

The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook is offering one lucky winner a £500 cash prize, a publication on the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook website and a place on the residential Arvon writing course of your choice! Arvon run residential courses on a variety of platforms including poetry and screenwriting. Published writers are on hand to give ambitious novelists advice on everything they would need to gain confidence in themselves and inspiration for their writing.

Anyone can enter! All you have to do is write a short story for adults of up to, but no more than, two thousand words using the prompt “The Visit”. Then, once your masterpiece is complete, email it to competition@bloomsbury.com with the subject line “WAYB14 competition”.

The closing date for the competition is 15^th February 2014 and winners will be announced in March 2014. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all aspiring authors of any age, plus it’s free to submit a story! So whether you’re a would-be writer looking for a break or just wanting to dabble in creative writing for a bit of fun, this could be for you!

Visit https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/competitions for more deals. And get creative!

Hilary Nouwens