Tuesday 3 December 2013

Novel Competition - shortlist announced



Shortlist for Novel Opening and Synopsis Category

I am delighted to say the short list is now up on the website. To find out which entries have made it through to the final round of judging, click here.

Congratulations and good luck to those who have made it this far. 

Our two quarterly categories, flash fiction and humour verse, are open for entries, but the novel opening chapter and synopsis competition is closed until next year.

For more information on everything to do with all three competitions, please visit the website: Flash 500 Home Page.

Hints from the Judges 

No.2 – The Opening Paragraphs or Stanzas

Having attracted the interest of the judge/reader with a really good title (see Hints No.1) it is important to build on this interest in the opening of any submitted work.

Before committing anything to writing, it is essential to establish the structure of the piece: know what you want to say and how you will achieve it.

The opening, whilst it should always be thought provoking, leaving the reader wanting to discover more, should not reveal too much. As with the title, you don’t want the opening to be so explicit that the reader knows exactly what is coming. Also, avoid introducing too many ideas and/or characters, which can give a judge mental indigestion!

Except in the case of certain types of humour verse, it is also better to steer clear of over the top ideas or situations.

The opening needs to be well thought through and subtle in its appeal. Every word must count; this is particularly important for poetry and flash fiction where line/word counts are tight.

Above all, do not try to cram too much in.

Will you be at the Online Party?

To celebrate the release of the third in my crime thriller series written as Frances di Plino, Call it Pretending, my publisher has arranged an online party on 18th December. More details can be found here.

There will be a special draw (free entry) on launch day to win a paperback copy of Call It Pretending. All you have to do to enter is sign up for the free newsletter by following this link: Frances di Plino Newsletter


Critique Service for Writers

Flash 500 Home Page: Flash Fiction, Humour Verse
and Novel Opening Chapter and Synopsis Competitions

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