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Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA)
7th edition
With the New Year upon us, there’s one simple word that springs eternal - ‘hope.’ As such, we thought it appropriate to kick off our series of ‘Wild Atlantic Writing Awards’ for 2023 on this particular theme.
In its essence, ‘hope’ holds so many different meanings for so many different people. Hope for good health; hope for a strong relationship; hope for success in work. Or indeed, lack of hope. We want you to decide what 'hope' means for you and no better time to think of its meaning and illustrate that meaning in your story than right now - as a New Year begins.
As with all our competitions, there will be two separate categories - flash fiction and creative nonfiction.
Deadline for submissions: Friday, March 31st, 2023.
Flash Fiction Award
We feel the theme of ‘Hope’ with all its dimensions and connotations will appeal to you as it spans so many genres – sci-fi, crime, romance, horror, humour, thriller, mystery, whatever tickles you and your Muse’s fancy.
As you write your story, remember to keep in mind three important guidelines:
-
the maximum length of your story should be 500 words, not including the title (please be mindful of this requirement, even one word over the limit can disqualify your entry);
-
judges should be left in no doubt that the core theme in your story is linked to ‘hope;’
-
you can only use the word ‘hope’ once - either in the body of your story or in your story title;
-
multiple entries accepted.
Let your imagination be your guide.
PRIZE
The winner will receive 500 euro in cash or a voucher worth 1,000 euro redeemable towards any one of our retreats of your choice this year.
And more.
With the writer’s permission, the top ten stories in each category will be published on the ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ website, with a short bio and photograph of the writer. Writers retain all copyrights to their work.
Creative Nonfiction Award
As for our creative nonfiction competition, we offer you a similar challenge: to write a story of not more than 500 words with ‘Hope’ as a key element. Your story can be in the form of memoir, profile, literary journalism, personal essay, travel (and remember, award-winning travel articles don't have to be about exotic destinations, it could be about your own hometown), food or any creative nonfiction category you prefer.
As you write your story, remember to keep in mind three important guidelines:
-
the maximum length of your story should be 500 words, not including the title (please be mindful of this requirement, even one word over the limit can disqualify your entry);
-
judges should be left in no doubt that the core theme in your story is linked to ‘hope;’
-
you can only use the word ‘hope’ once - either in the body of your story or in your story title;
-
multiple entries accepted.
Let your imagination be your guide.
PRIZE
The winner will receive 500 euro in cash or a voucher worth 1,000 euro redeemable towards any one of our retreats of your choice this year.
And more.
With the writer’s permission, the top ten stories in each category will be published on the ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ website, with a short bio and photograph of the writer. Writers retain all copyrights to their work.