Could it be that Paul Garside is absolutely right? This whole so-called competition idea seems to be nothing but exploiting people's genuine wish to write and trying to hook them into writers' workshops
Could it be that Paul Garside is absolutely right? This whole so-called competition idea seems to be nothing but exploiting people's genuine wish to write and trying to hook them into writers' workshops
I felt disappointed this time, too, because the story I submitted was so well received by my peers in my university creative writing group - all of whom are good writers. My only thought was - how did this judge manage to read all those entries?
Tony
Writing is what this is about.
The commercial aspects are profit orientated. This is part of any sales product including writing.
Time lines and financial rewards concentrate minds and move that unfinished masterpiece from fantasy shelf to full glare of exposure.
Alternatively that unfinished masterpiece continues to be polished on that shelf for ever.
Dream-peddling? I don't think writers need anyone to do that for them.
There were 3000 - 3000! - entries to this competition. On that basis what is the chance of someone who frequents these boards being amongst those short listed?
I was short listed two years ago. It was great, I was delighted and no-one tried to sell me anything. It spurred me on. Just as not being short listed this year has also done.