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Prima magazine are looking for true "moving, inspiring or funny short stories" from readers. Please note this is not a fiction competition. Winners receive a £200 prize and a one-year subscription to Prima, while two runners-up will also receive a subscription to Prima. The Prima website says: "For the February issue, we're looking for your stories on the theme of love. The stories could be about finding unexpected love or going on a romantic date or something else that ties in with that time of year." Stories must be no more than 500 words which you should email to yourwinningstory(at)natmags.co.uk It looks like a new theme is set each month (January's was New Year) there is also no deadline set but I would imagine the sooner the better to make the magazine's own deadlines.

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The Writers' Advice Centre for children's books have launched their 2009 writing competition but this year they are not looking for a short story but a first chapter. Louise Jordan explains: "What we are looking for is a first chapter that really grabs the attention and makes us want to read the rest of the book. It's that 'I can't put it down' factor that we're after. " Your book can be for any age group and the maximum word count is 1000 words - for younger children aim for a much shorter word count. Louise added: "There are no rules on presentation except to say that your competition entry must reach us in exactly the same state as it would if you, yourself, were sending it out to a real publisher." You can include a cover letter and you should also explain where you see your book fitting in the current market, however do not submit illustrations or descriptions of illustrations. Entry is open to all ages with a ??5 fee with a deadline of August 31 2009. The winner will receive ??100, a signed copy of Louise's excellent book 'How to Write for Children & Get Published' and a free editorial and marketing assessment of your book with the chance to have your work submitted to a mainstream publisher (if the author agrees.) One runner-up will receive a signed copy of How to Write for Children & Get Published plus a free professional editorial & marketing assessment of their entry. All entrants will be offered the chance to have their work critiqued at a reduced rate. As I've mentioned before I won the centre's 2007 short story competition and Louise has been really encouraging about my writing. She interviewed me for Writers' Forum and submitted my Dr Midas book to Puffin. The manuscript assessment was also really helpful and I always keep the tips in mind when writing short stories. I would really recommend having a go at this competition. For full details visit www.writersadvice.co.uk/

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One of the short story competitions I've entered in the past was run by the Northern Echo newspaper. On a recent visit to their website I saw that they were now promoting a monthly short story competition which has also been given the thumbs up by writer Bill Bryson. Global Short Story Competition is organised by media company Certys Limited and supported by Darlington Arts Centre. As the name suggests anyone on the planet is encouraged to enter although your story must be in English. A judging panel, led by novelist Fiona Cooper will pick out the best stories. There will a ??100 monthly prize and at the end of the year a ??250 grand prize winner. Stories can be of any theme and up to 2,000 words and you can enter no more than four stories each month. Entries are accepted from the first of each month and close at the end. You must be 17 or over to take part and entry costs ??5 (via Paypal or cheque). You can submit your story online or via post. Copyright stays with the author but stories are published on the Global Short Story Competition website. On the GSS website Bill Bryson said: "It is wonderful to hear that a competition has been developed to showcase new creative talent." The October competition is now open, find out more at www.globalshortstories.net

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The problem with short breaks is facing your email inbox on your return - mine were absolutely overflowing especially as I belong to three online writing groups. Among them was a link to the Guardian newspaper website's How To Write series. I haven't had chance to read everything but there are articles on scriptwriting, comedy, poetry, journalism, historical writing and writing for children. There are words of wisdom from Robert Harris, Antonia Fraser, Michael Rosen, Linda Newberry and Meg Rosoff. There is also a great piece on the benefits of reading your work aloud to children by publisher David Fickling. I've mentioned before how horrible I find reading my work to other people, and I haven't yet tried reading it aloud to them although I have had a couple read it and give me their thoughts. Perhaps I should be brave and approach a local school to see if I could try it out on a class. I also think it's important to read aloud your story to yourself - although it can be a bit embarrassing if anyone hears you. When I first read some Dr Midas aloud (to a writer's group) I realised I had used 'said Dr Midas,' and 'said Millie' far too many times. It just sounded silly. It can also help to make sure sentences aren't too long and that there's a nice natural rhythm to your writing. My great ambition of course it to have complete strangers reading my stories, that's why I keep sending them out in the hope of publication. Find out more at http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/series/howtowrite Another email waiting for me was from the North West branch co-ordinator of SCBWI (www.britishscbwi.org) which I joined just over a year ago. SCBWI is the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators and it has a British group. SCBWI organise regular events with top agents, publishers and writers. The north west group also meet regularly for critique groups (in Manchester and soon in Chester) and have just set up their own website with the fantastic address www.afewofmyfavouritethings.co.uk which publicises local writers and artists including me! If you would like to read my short story 'Diversity' which won the Writers' Advice Centre for children's books competition just check out the website. The final email I'm going to share is from an independent bookseller Simply Books based in Bramhall Village, Cheshire - about upcoming children's author events. I've yet to visit the shop but I will have to as it looks amazing on their website - they were also 'runner-up' for Independent Bookshop of the Year 2008 and have regular author events. On Wednesday, October 1st, (4pm - 5.30pm) Rick Riordan American author of the 'Percy Jackson' series of books will be visiting and signing books. Simply Books say: "'Percy Jackson' books take stories from Greek Mythology and set them in modern day New York -they're fast, funny adventures with lots of action and real page-turners. Perfect for boys and girls aged 9-12 and Rick himself is great fun." Then on Tuesday, October 7th, (11.00am-12.30pm) author of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson will be chatting and signing copies of her brilliant new book Stick Man. Simply Books said: "Separated from the 'family tree' we follow Stick Man's perilous adventures and eventual reunion with his 'Stick Lady Love and their stick children three'. Funny and touching, we think this is likely to be another classic of 'Gruffalo' proportions." Find out more at www.simplybooks.tbpcontrol.co.uk Don't forget you can share your writing news and events or links with me via the comments section or email me at www.drmidas.co.uk

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I had another rejection yesterday, they can be a bit like buses in that way. I'm now only waiting to hear from one query letter I sent out at the same time. The latest was from Frances Lincoln Ltd and I must admit they were a bit of a long shot but they have some really interesting titles in their catalogue. I have no complaints about this rejection, it was nicely worded and reasonably personal. It said: "I acknowedge receipt of your submission, with thanks. Frances Lincoln does have a very small number of chapter books, but its focus is exclusively on multicultural issues and I'm afraid that your book, with its strong science fiction element, does not fall directly enough into this category. For this reason I am returning your material on Dr Midas and the Pirates to you today. I wish you the best of luck in finding a suitable publisher for your book." The letter has been sent from Antonia Prescott, 'Reader and Consultant for Children's Writers' of the story studio. I've not heard of this company before but I'll be having a look at their website later. I have found another agent to try so I'm sending out a new query letter, outline and sample chapters today. I have also sent a short story to My Weekly. I have only ever tried to have one other short story published in a women's magazine before and that was many years ago. I can't even recall what it was about but I know Take a Break rejected it. My Weekly have given their magazine a makeover and are now asking for specific story types with new guidelines being issued every few months. I understand they get tonnes of stories, but I'll let youknow if I get a response. I've also been working on something new that feels to big to be a short story. I've written about 800 words and it was prompted by an article a colleague gave me. I'm really enjoying writing it and the character turned up fully formed. I have a good idea what will happen, but I'm a bit nervous as it has a distinctly romantic feel about it and that's going to be quite new to me as a writer. I've put Khmers to one side for this which is also not like me. I'm also wondering if it would be suitable for the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices competition. I guess I'll just have to see.

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All together now... 'Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, I think I'll go and eat worms'... I like to think I'm quite a positive person, alright I like a moan as much as the next person, but I try and think positive and see the glass as half full. But sometimes I feel like giving this whole trying to be published business up. Last night was one of those times. I'd had a long day at work and was feeling tired anyway but then I spotted a large parcel on the table. My book had come back again. I knew without opening it would be a rejection, but I was hoping for at least a comment or two in the letter. Now I've had a few indifferent comments in the past, those I can handle, what really gets to me is the standard letter. I know it's unreasonable of me, but there's something about them that puts me under a black cloud. Why do I hate them? Of course I realise publishers and agents are extremely busy people and can't always give feedback but in this case the submission requirements asked for the entire manuscript. That means two lots of expensive post and the best part of an ink cartridge and a lot of paper (ok I know that's part of the deal when submitting.) I can't help, ok probably unreasonably, thinking it would be nice if that would warrant just a line or two especially as my experience of this company has been excellent and I think it hurt a little more than usual because of that. What really annoys me is the signature you get on these type of replys. They are nearly always a squiggle with no printed name underneath and my understanding from reading 'how to' books and blogs is that they are designed to stop follow up calls - in other words crazed stalker like behaviour. I like to think my letter, manuscript and outlines show I have a professional approach to the submission process, I don't feel I deserve a squiggle, especially when most times I've written to a particular, named, editor or agent. To top it off this particular letter read 'Re: Dr Midas and the Pirates outline' which makes me suspect that the assistant flicked to the first page and copied that off my outline. I guess she was having a busy day. I would like to say though that I do think the manuscript was read, I know some wannabe authors are suspicious of the slushpile, but if I began to think like that I would become even more disillusioned. Anyway as I said at the beginning I like to think I'm a positive person so instead of throwing my laptop out of the window I opened up a short story I've been working on. The story is for a competition and I was a good 500 words short of the word count, well not anymore. If I hadn't had that rejection I dare say it may have been left unfinished.

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University of Huddersfield has launched a short story and poetry competition to find material for its new anthology Grist. The once a year publication will include the winning selections alongside established writers. The Grist website explains: "Grist is interested in fresh new voices with something to say. By publishing emerging writers alongside established writers, Grist provides a unique opportunity for those starting out in their writing careers. For the reader of Grist, each issue in book form will provide two hundred pages of the best new writing around." Joanne Harris Short stories can be up to 3,500 words on any subject and there is a £3 entry fee per story. You may submit as many stories as you like. Joanne Harris author of Chocolat and Runemarks will be the judge. The three overall winners will receive a cash prize. The three winners and all runners up will be published in the next issue of Grist. The closing date November 30th 2008. Simon Armitage will judge the poetry competition. Poems should be up to 40 lines and can be on any subject. Entry is £3 per poem and you can submit as many poems as you like. The three overall winners will receive a cash prize. The three winners and all runners up will be published in the next issue of Grist. Again the closing date is November 30th 2008. There are other rules about style of manuscript and you have to print off an entry form available at the competition's website at www.hud.ac.uk/mh/english/grist/index.htm

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When I checked the post on Saturday I saw a familiar A4 white envelope with the address written in my own handwriting. Now usually this means one thing another rejection. Well it was in a way – it was the short story assessment from Writer’s Forum magazine. The form is broken down into different sections including opening, title, characters, language and ending. Then there is a choice of description that the reader can pick with a score next to it. For example title: Suited the story – 10, room for improvement 5, and try again 0. There are also four sections for the reader to add more detailed comments. Finally there is a page of typed general hints that are not specific to your entry and then a total and explanation as to what the overall scores mean. My story ‘Ninety nine per cent’ about the space chimp programme scored 150 (out of a maximum out of 230.) Ham the space chimp This meant it qualified for second read and there was also a tick next to highly commended (130+) . The form explains: “After an initial assessment the manuscript is either rejected or passed to another reader for a second opinion. At that stage it is either rejected or short listed for the attention of the editor and publisher. My story scored better for the early parts but the reader felt it needed a more exciting finish. This seemed a very fair comment to me as I can struggle with the endings of some short stories and I may well take another look at my story. They also said: “Confident writing, great premise for story, good characters in the chimps, lots of research and accurate detail.” But they went on to say: “But what is the theme? Too ambiguous for short story,” with some suggestions as to what needed fixing. Overall I was pleased with the comments and thought they were excellent at showing where improvements could be made. Writers’ Forum run a writing competition every month in their magazine including the application form – which can also be downloaded from their website at www.writers-forum.com Entry is £10 (£7 for subscribers) including a critique like mine. It did take a little while for them to reply. You also need to include biographical details (50 words maximum) and if chosen they will need a photograph of you. Stories should be between 800 and 3000 words. The Prizes are: £300 1st prize, £150 2nd prize and £100 3rd prize.

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Do you write science fiction stories? The BSFA (British Science Fiction Association) was set up in 1958 when a group of leading authors, publishers, booksellers and fans decided that Britain needed an international organisation to encourage science fiction in every form. Now, 50 years later they are marking their success with a short story competition for writers. strong> Entrants must be from the UK & Ireland and there is a first prize of ??500 up for grabs.The shortlisted runners up will receive ??50, and the winning and shortlisted entries will be published in a special issue of FOCUS the BSFA???s magazine for writers. The BSFA website says: "The maximum length of stories is 8,000 words. The stories must be science fiction, but we???re willing to take a broad definition of what that means." Stephen Baxter will judge the best entries All entries must be accompanied by a ??10 entry fee (you can use paypal) and the shortlisted stories will be judges by British science fiction authors Justina Robson, Stephen Baxter & Alastair Reynolds. Authors may enter as many times as they wish, but all stories must be accompanied by a separate entry form and the ??10 entry fee. Entries can be posted or emailed and there are rules on how to present the manuscript. The closing date for entries is Friday September 5th 2008 and the winner will be announced at the BSFA 50th Anniversary birthday party on November 26th 2008. For more details go to www.bsfa.co.uk

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Comma Press are looking for new Short Stories set in Liverpool for an anthology called 'Reberth.' The book will be published in December and will be made up of short stories from the ‘Cities on the Edge’. ‘Cities on the Edge’ is a partnership of six European cities: Bremen, Gdansk, Istanbul, Liverpool, Marseille and Naples. The Comma Press website explains: "At Liverpool's invitation, they have come together in Liverpool's European Capital of Culture ‘08 year to examine their roles as historic ports. The cities all share a sense of independence (almost as city states, as islands within their national territories). Equally, they are characterised by a critical edge; a rare combination of individualism and a strong sense of community; a reputation for creativity; and a long and vivid history. They are essential to the definition of the cultural identity of their respective countries, but don't always feel loved or understood by their countrymen. "Featuring two 2 stories set in each of the ‘Cities on the Edge’, ReBerth aims to give a flavour of the peculiar cultural potency of these cities: their diverse traditions and religions; their cultural practices (both old and new); their movement away from reliance on a shipping economy, and towards a model of cultural regeneration and exchange; and above all, their ‘edginess’. "We particularly welcome stories embracing the notion that port cities are a destination – and sometimes a stepping-off point - for migrant communities: people embarking on a new life; in search of sanctuary, salvation, or rebirth." What they are looking for: • Cohesive, subtle, insightful and well-shaped stories of literary merit. • Stories which touch on one or more of the above themes. • Stories set against the recognizable backdrop of the city of Liverpool (or in which geographical features of the city play a role in the story). • Contemporary stories (stories set within the past twenty-five years). What they are not looking for: • Character sketches, anecdotes, comic capers (particularly comic capers featuring ‘loveable rogues’), benign childhood memoirs. • Stories which set aside clunky, separate passages for scene setting, characterization, plot exposition or flashback. • Stories including any material to which the author does not own copyright (e.g. song lyrics). • Previously published works. Submissions should be between 1000 and 5000 words in length (approx). 2 submissions maximum per author will be considered. We will pay authors £200 for each story we use in the anthology. You are strongly urged to visit the ‘General Guidelines’ below and the Editorial page of the website (www.commapress.co.uk) for further guidance on submitting manuscripts. Email submissions as a double-spaced word document attachment before Friday 1st August 2008 to [email protected] Good luck

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There are just a couple of weeks left before the deadline for this year's Bridport Prize. Anyone can enter and there are some big money prizes to be won alongwith the chance for your work to be read by a top agent. I have never entered this particular competition as I've always been a bit intimidated by it - so I'd be interested to hear readers' opinions on it. The Bridport Prize International Creative Writing Competition was founded in 1973 and now attracts many thousands of entries from over 80 countries. You can now enter online or via the post using the application form which can be printed off from the website. There are two categories - short stories up to 5,000 words and poems 42 lines maximum both with a top prize of £5,000. Second prize is £1,000 and third £500 with ten supplementary prizes of £50 each and the top 26 stories and poems will be published in the Bridport Prize 2008 anthology. All 26 winners are invited to a Prizegiving Lunch at the Town Hall in Bridport, Dorset. An additional £100 and a perpetual trophy is awarded to the best local (Dorset, UK) winner or runner up. The winning stories and shortlist will be read by London leading agents with a view to representing writers. Helen Simpson will judge the short stories Short stories will be judged by writer Helen Simpson who said: "The short story form is intrinsically witty, adrenalised, quick--not restful. It encourages concision. VSPritchett described, 'How did the story change as I rewrote it, perhaps four or five times, boiling down a hundred pages into twenty or thirty, as I still do? Story writing is exacting work.' I'll be looking for stories which show imaginative pleasure in meeting the demands of the form." The Bridport website explains: "In many cases a win in the Bridport Prize has led to further successes and helped to launch new writers. Kate Atkinson (a short story winner in 1990) said that it was very important, confirming that she had found her "voice". Her short story went on to become the first chapter of her novel, "Behind the Scenes at the Museum", winner of the 1995 Whitbread Book of the Year. She returned to judge the Short Story section in 2001. Other noteworthy names include Helen Dunmore (also a 1990 winner) whose "Spell of Winter" won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 1996; Tobias Hill, a winner in both categories (poetry 1994, short story 1996) and Tess Biddington, a winner in 2000, who made it onto the short list for The Forward Prize and gained an agent for her forthcoming novel, plus many others." The Prize is open to anyone, including non-UK applicants,over 18 years. Entries must be entirely the work of the entrant and must never have been published, self-published, published on any website or broadcast. Closing date is June 30th 2008. Each entry costs £6. More details from www.bridportprize.org.uk

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Your writing could feature alongside those of Tracy Chevalier Here's a great competition organised by York Art Gallery where author Tracy Chevalier is currently writer-in-residence.Tracy's best-known novel is Girl with a Pearl Earring, inspired by the painting of the same name by Johannes Vermeer, and she often uses art and history as starting points for her works of fiction. With this in mind the gallery is asking writers to pen a 300-word story about one of 15 pieces of art (ten paintings and five ceramics) on display at the gallery. This competition is really up my street but picking one piece is proving really difficult. Tracy is a great writer and I really admire the way she weaves a story around a piece of art or a person. I can't wait to read her next book about fossil hunter Mary Anning - working title 'She sells seas shells.' Two winners will be chosen by Tracy, one from the young people's category (12 -17) and one from the adults' (18 and over). The winning stories will be published on the back of postcards showing the piece of art they are inspired by. These will be included in a gift pack of postcards also containing stories by Tracy on selected works. The winners and runners-up will also be invited to join Tracy at a prize-giving event in November, to read their stories to the public. The winner of the adults' category will receive £100 and the winner of the young people's category, £50. Runners-up will receive copies of the art book What Great Paintings Say by Rainer and Rose-Marie Hagen. To enter choose a painting or ceramic from the 15 featured on the York Art Gallery website, or on show at the gallery between May 8 and September 30 2008. Now write a story of 300 words or less and type it onto a single side of A4 paper or in an email. 'Man with a book' by Parmigia - One of the art works you could choose Please include the title of the painting or ceramic that has inspired your story, your story's title (if this is different) and the number of words in your story. Send email entries to [email protected] or post them to Short Story Competition, York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW or drop them in at York Art Gallery in person. The closing date is Tuesday, 30 September, 2008 Full details of the rules are available at www.yorkartgallery.org.uk * You can meet Tracy Chevalier at York Art Gallery next month gallery and ask her about her work, writing processes and her thoughts on the paintings on display. Tuesday July 1st, 2pm - 4pm.

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American based 'Pockets' magazine are running a free to enter fiction-writing contest. Pockets, a devotional magazine for children aged six to 12, are offering $1,000 prize for the winner and publication. Other entries may be chosen for publication too. The magazine's website explains: "Pockets offers wholesome devotional readings that teach about God's love and presence in life. Each page of Pockets affirms a child's self-worth. Included are fun and exciting puzzles, games, stories, poems, recipes, colorful pictures, and scripture readings. The magazine is published monthly (except in February) and includes a wide variety of materials." The website advises that stories should contain lots of action, use believable characters and dialogue, be simply written, and be relevant to the problems faced by this age group in everyday life. Children need to be able to see themselves in the pages of the magazine. "It is important that the tone not be 'preachy' or didactic. Use short sentences and paragraphs. When possible, use concrete words instead of abstractions. However, do not 'write down' to children.It is no longer common practice to use such terms as 'man,' 'mankind,' 'men,' in the familiar generic sense. Substitute non-sexist terms that are inclusive of everyone (e.g., 'humankind,' 'persons,' 'human beings.)" Fiction-Writing Contest Guidelines Guidelines for the contest are essentially the same as for regularly submitted material. Historical and biblical fiction is not eligible. Submissions will be: *Accepted if postmarked between March 1 and August 15 of the contest year. *Returned if accompanied by an SASE. Your SASE must include sufficient postage for your submission plus 2 pages -- a letter of notification and writers' guidelines. Submissions should be: *1,000 to 1,600 words -- 1,400 word manuscripts are the best length for our purposes. Stories are disqualified if they are shorter or longer by even a few words. Note accurate word count on the cover sheet. *Previously unpublished. *Designated Fiction Contest on the envelope and on the cover sheet. *There is no entry fee. The winner, notified by November 1, will receive a $1,000 award. Because the purpose of the contest is to discover new writers, previous winners are not eligible. Send contest submissions to: Pockets Attn: Lynn Gilliam 1908 Grand Avenue P.O. Box 340004 Nashville, TN 37203-0004 Further details and general story guidelines are available at http://www.upperroom.org/pockets/

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The European beaver A news story on the BBC website yesterday has yet again offered up an excellent idea for a short story. Did you know there are plans to release European beavers in Scotland? The rodent was hunted to extinction in the UK more than 400 years ago but now the Scottish Government has agreed to a trial reintroduction. Environment Minister Michael Russell has given the go-ahead for up to four beaver families to be released in Argyll. Mr Russell said: "This is an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts all over Scotland and beyond. The beaver was hunted to extinction in this country in the 16th Century and I am delighted that this wonderful species will be making a comeback. They are charismatic, resourceful little mammals." What's more a link on the site to an older story informs me that at the moment it is illegal to release them but someone has already been doing so. What an interesting idea for a character. The BBC says there has been evidence of gnawed trees and last year an illegal beaver was caught in Perthshire. (The punishment for the crime is up to two years in jail or a £40,000 fine.) So I could have a policeman on the releaser's trail. The article quotes from PC Douglas Ogilvie who is convinced the beavers have been deliberately released, rather than escaped from a collection. He says: "If they've escaped they've come a long way. There are lots of people out there who'd love to see beavers in the wild, but they have to be released under certain conditions." So it would seem the force are on the case in real life. Then there's the beavers themselves, trying to set up home in new surroundings. The animals will be captured in Norway, put into quarantine for six months before three to four families are released next Spring at a loch at Knapdale Wildlife Reserve. My imagination is kicking in, I can't wait to get started.

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Always fancied writing abook but struggle to find the time - well here's a chance to write just one chapter. The Green Story is creative writing competition where you can submit your idea for what should happen next. There are three versions, adult, teen and childre's and each has a green theme. The competition is run by greenmetropolis.com an online book seller that recycles used books and supports Woodland Trust in helping to conserve, restore and re-establish our country's native woodlands. The Green Story "Encourages all readers, young and old, to think about how we can best look after the environment." It will run for 10 months, creating a book with 10 chapters which will be published as 'The Green Story' book at the end of the year with all proceeds going to The Woodland Trust. Each chapter must be written in the third person, rather than 'first person' viewpoint and should follow on from the previous winning chapter. Readers can vote on the story too. Children's story The competition is looking for a 'green' story which helps everyone think about how we can save trees and keep our environment cleaner by re-using and recycling all sorts of things, like paper and bottles, cans, books, clothes and all sorts of stuff that people sometimes just throw away. Each entry must be no more than 1000 words, and the ending must be left open, so that the story may be continued. This is how the story begins: Not too far away from where you live is a wonderful herb garden. It is a tidy and colourful place to visit, with row on row of sweet-smelling herbs and in the centre of the garden is a tall green tree. This tree is a very special place because a Tree Sprite lives there, called Willow. Teenagers story The competition is for a 'green' themed story which will encourage readers to think about how they can look after the environment and prevent further damage to the planet. The site says: "Although the green story has to be about 'green' issues, you can decide your own content - it can be as dark or as inspirational as you like. Sci-fi or romance, gothic horror or murder mystery, it's up to you. Your entry must not exceed 1500 words, and must be left open, so that the story may continue through to the next chapter." This is how the story begins: Alice in Ecoland “Alice” her mother called from the kitchen. Alice and her friend Bryony were watching a fashion show on the television. “Those coats are fantastic” Bryony swooned. “I NEED one” Alice emphasised the word ‘need’. Ms Mayfair walked in and frowned at the television. “Alice” she repeated. “Yes?” Alice grunted, her eyes remaining on the screen. On the television there were skinny women wearing chinchilla fur coats and suede boots under big flashing lights. “Alice, look at me when I’m talking to you” her mother sounded disgruntled. Alice snapped her head around so she could look at her mother, although she still had one eye on the television. “Yes?” Alice sighed. “It’s a glorious day outside” Ms Mayfair whipped the curtains open to prove it. The sun was so bright, they couldn’t see the television. “Mum” Alice groaned. “It’s too bright” “You’re no vampire, Alice” Adult story the site says: "We're looking for a 'green' themed story which inspires and challenges readers to think again about how they can look after the environment and prevent further damage to the planet. Although the green story has to be about 'green' issues, you can decide your own content - it can be as dark or as inspirational as you like! Sci-fi or romance, gothic horror or murder mystery, it's up to you." Entry must not exceed 2000 words, and must be left open, so that the story may continue through to the next chapter. This is how the story begins: Chapter One. The bunker. Her eyes already adjusted to the darkness, she squinted into the sickly flickering light, scanning the faces crowding past her for anyone familiar. No-one. She let herself be carried along with the tide of people, bustling through the narrow concrete corridor with no end in sight. Airlock doors occasionally passed on their left and right, sunk into the dank walls. She strained her neck to look above the stream of people to what was ahead. Nothing. To read the previous chapters and to submit your entry visit http://www.thegreenstory.co.uk

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Always fancied writing abook but struggle to find the time - well here's a chance to write just one chapter. The Green Story is creative writing competition where you can submit your idea for what should happen next. There are three versions, adult, teen and childre's and each has a green theme. The competition is run by greenmetropolis.com an online book seller that recycles used books and supports Woodland Trust in helping to conserve, restore and re-establish our country's native woodlands. The Green Story "Encourages all readers, young and old, to think about how we can best look after the environment." It will run for 10 months, creating a book with 10 chapters which will be published as 'The Green Story' book at the end of the year with all proceeds going to The Woodland Trust. Each chapter must be written in the third person, rather than 'first person' viewpoint and should follow on from the previous winning chapter. Readers can vote on the story too. Children's story The competition is looking for a 'green' story which helps everyone think about how we can save trees and keep our environment cleaner by re-using and recycling all sorts of things, like paper and bottles, cans, books, clothes and all sorts of stuff that people sometimes just throw away. Each entry must be no more than 1000 words, and the ending must be left open, so that the story may be continued. This is how the story begins: Not too far away from where you live is a wonderful herb garden. It is a tidy and colourful place to visit, with row on row of sweet-smelling herbs and in the centre of the garden is a tall green tree. This tree is a very special place because a Tree Sprite lives there, called Willow. Teenagers story The competition is for a 'green' themed story which will encourage readers to think about how they can look after the environment and prevent further damage to the planet. The site says: "Although the green story has to be about 'green' issues, you can decide your own content - it can be as dark or as inspirational as you like. Sci-fi or romance, gothic horror or murder mystery, it's up to you. Your entry must not exceed 1500 words, and must be left open, so that the story may continue through to the next chapter." This is how the story begins: Alice in Ecoland “Alice” her mother called from the kitchen. Alice and her friend Bryony were watching a fashion show on the television. “Those coats are fantastic” Bryony swooned. “I NEED one” Alice emphasised the word ‘need’. Ms Mayfair walked in and frowned at the television. “Alice” she repeated. “Yes?” Alice grunted, her eyes remaining on the screen. On the television there were skinny women wearing chinchilla fur coats and suede boots under big flashing lights. “Alice, look at me when I’m talking to you” her mother sounded disgruntled. Alice snapped her head around so she could look at her mother, although she still had one eye on the television. “Yes?” Alice sighed. “It’s a glorious day outside” Ms Mayfair whipped the curtains open to prove it. The sun was so bright, they couldn’t see the television. “Mum” Alice groaned. “It’s too bright” “You’re no vampire, Alice” Adult story the site says: "We're looking for a 'green' themed story which inspires and challenges readers to think again about how they can look after the environment and prevent further damage to the planet. Although the green story has to be about 'green' issues, you can decide your own content - it can be as dark or as inspirational as you like! Sci-fi or romance, gothic horror or murder mystery, it's up to you." Entry must not exceed 2000 words, and must be left open, so that the story may continue through to the next chapter. This is how the story begins: Chapter One. The bunker. Her eyes already adjusted to the darkness, she squinted into the sickly flickering light, scanning the faces crowding past her for anyone familiar. No-one. She let herself be carried along with the tide of people, bustling through the narrow concrete corridor with no end in sight. Airlock doors occasionally passed on their left and right, sunk into the dank walls. She strained her neck to look above the stream of people to what was ahead. Nothing. To read the previous chapters and to submit your entry visit http://www.thegreenstory.co.uk

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Space Chimps As regular readers of my blog will know I like to base my short stories around real events, places and animals. The story I sent to Writer's Forum magazine (no reply as of yet) was based on the true story of how chimpanzees were used at the start of the space programme. While watching Cartoon Network with my nephew at the weekend I saw a trailer for a new feature length animation called ' Space Chimps.' My story centre's on Enos, who was the last chimp used before NASA felt confident to send their first human astronaut into orbit. 'Space Chimps' the movie centre's on the fictional Ham III grandson of the first chimp blasted into space HAM. HAM the chimp The plot line is : "Two NASA chimps are sent to a galaxy far, far away. One chimp has 'The Right Stuff,' and the other, a good natured goofball, has 'The Wrong Stuff.' The two chimps find themselves on a strange, uncharted planet, where they embark on a fantastical journey to save its inhabitants from a tyrannical leader. Space Chimps is an intergalactic comedy that highlights the antics of astronaut chimps with the "wrong stuff." Ham III (Samberg), the slacker grandson of the first chimp blasted into space before manned spaceflight, joins two other astronaut chimps for a dangerous mission through a black hole to an inhabited planet. When they're stranded there, the chimps must help the inhabitants rid themselves of a tyrannical leader, and then figure out how to get back to Earth." The animation looks fun, with a voice cast including Andy Samberg, Cheryl Hines, Patrick Warburton, Omid Abtahi and Jeff Daniels. But the real story behind the use of chimps is a much sadder one. Vanguard Animation - which is headed by 'Shrek' producer John Williams - are currently working on another book written by William Steig, 'The Zabajaba Jungle' about a boy and his adventures through a mysterious jungle in search of his parents. They have also produced Valiant about a WWII messenger pigeon (another real event) and Happily N'ever After inspired by the Grimm Brother's fairy tales. For more information on Space Chimps the animation visit http://www.spacechimpspower.com/ and for the true story visit http://www.spacechimps.com/ * The winner of my second book giveaway is Charlotte Anne Braden who correctly answered that James Nesbitt played the dad in 'Millions.' Congratulations Charlotte.

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On November 3rd,  the 12th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Festival was held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, USA. Over 7,000 people attended this free event and enjoyed an afternoon filled with authors’ readings & signings (more than 400 titles were available for purchase); illustrators and  celebrities’ appearances;  interactive performances, and more. 

The Multicultural Children’s Book Festival originally began as a collaboration between the Kennedy Center and Black Books Galore!, a children’s book service created in 1992 by three African American mothers who were  frustrated by the lack of children’s books portraying African American themes.  Now produced by the Kennedy Center, the festival has grown to include books and authors representing a wide array of cultures and experiences from throughout the world, including Asian and Latino in all their rich shades.  

One of this year’s featured guests was award winning author Mitali Perkins, a regularly featured author and contributor to the PaperTigers website (she was the first author to participate, along with her mother, in our  Community Outreach project!). We asked Mitali to share something about her experience of attending the book festival, and here is what she wrote us:

“Okay, I confess: I haven’t been doing well with the label “multicultural.” (more…)

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