Guest Adjudicators:
Allison Symes – Flash Fiction
Allison Symes mainly writes short stories and flash fiction. She has two published volumes of flash fiction – From Light to Dark and Back Again and Tripping the Flash Fantastic- and her work has been included in several anthologies including The Best of CafeLit. Allison is a prodigious blogger for several magazines. As well as being a writer, Allison works as a freelance editor, adjudicates writing competitions, gives author talks and runs writing workshops.
SAW Council – Women’s Magazine Story
The Scottish Association of Writers Council will allocate a panel of three experienced Council members to adjudicate.
Sheila Grant – Book Review
An acceptance from Twinkle Comic! And a cheque for £8! I was a published writer! And all from a story I made up when my children were dragging their feet on a very long walk!
Bursting with my success I attended closing night of the season at Ayr Writers. Prize winning entries were read out while I sat cringing at my audacity. The standards was so high! I was not going back!
But come September with posh notebook and pen, I was persuaded to join. I attended the Vice President’s class on writing Articles. She set a competition on the subject of Spring which to my surprise I won and submitted to a magazine. It has been published. My most successful article, published to date three times. Fairies and little owls no more, I now fancied myself as a freelance journalist!
I am so grateful to Ayr Writers’ Club without whose help and advice I would never have had the joy of seeing my name in print.
Where did I get my ideas?
My Grannie’s recipe book had items of interest while memorials along remote roads in the Highland glens, photographed then researched at home, uncovered obscure and long forgotten historic events.
A bookaholic, I was delighted to join the staff of New Books magazine, as a reviewer, nicknamed Book Diva. It was a privilege, reviewing first editions, and occasionally interviewing the authors online.
I know it is harder for you all to find outlets for your work but never give up. Ideas and themes can be discovered in the strangest of places and events.
I miss this superb club, forever grateful for all advice received and the enjoyment and modest success I have gained.
The Flower Club was never as much fun as the Writers’ Club!
Good luck to all. Never give up and keep on writing,