Old Peculier Short Story Crime Writing Contest

Alibi has teamed up with HarperCollins and Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Harrogate to unearth some of the country's hottest new short story crime-writing talent of 2011 in a writing contest. The story should be 1,000 to 2,500 words and should refer to your local region and create a strong sense of place. Eight regional shortlist finalists will win tickets to attend the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Harrogate (with travel and two nights accommodation included), where they'll get to the chance to rub shoulders with leading authors and agents from the crime writing world including best-selling author Camilla Lackberg. They'll also be invited to attend the Creative Thursday writing workshop.

The winner will be announced during a special reception on the opening evening of the festival and will get a fantastic holiday to Sweden with two nights in a central Gothenburg hotel, a Kindle and a library of 100 Harper Collins crime books including a signed Camilla Lackberg back catalogue. Deadline May 1, 2011. The eight shortlisted stories will be announced on June 1 and will go before a public vote and an expert judging panel to determine the winner. Entry is open to UK residents only over 18 years of age.


NOTE: Sorry Americans, this is for UK residents only. Wish we had one of these on this side of the pond. No sign of an entry fee. You have to sign up for the website, but it's free and non-obligatory. No worry.

DOUBLE NOTE: I'm SO enjoying my writing these days. I hate leaving the house. Call me recluse, I don't mind.