Get writing for the delvin garradrimna book fair short story competition

The Delvin ‘Garradrimna’ Book Fair is unique in Ireland, and not only because it takes place in a cattle mart! It is the largest one-day book fair in the country, thanks to a small group of volunteers, who pack the mart with as many books as they can locate, which are sold for as little as €1 each.

This year the children’s section looks like being the largest yet, making the fair a great day for all the family, and there is something special for self-published writers too: the stage will be open to a number of them during the day.

Alongside the books, there will be live music (performers include the new Delvin Musical Society) and craft workers selling their goods. It’s all happening on Sunday May 3 this year, and to help get bookworms and aspiring writers get into the mood, the Westmeath Examiner, in association with the Delvin ‘Garradrimna’ Book Fair, is supporting a new short story competition.

Details

We have two categories for submission; Junior and Senior. The Junior category is for sixth class national school pupils to Leaving Certificate students. The Senior category is for adults of all ages outside of secondary students. Your short story is to start with the line:

 ‘As Nan pried from behind the net curtain she…’

The photo pictured above is 'Nan', an elderly lady looking through her window/ 'behind her net curtain'. This picture is to give inspiration for your short story. Your short story word count must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words.

Prizes

There are great prizes and both winners will have their stories published in the Westmeath Examiner in the edition dated Saturday May 2. The Junior winner will also receive a family pass for one hour at Rock ‘n’ Bowl, which includes finger food. The Senior winner will receive a two nights B&B, plus evening meal, at Bloomfield House Hotel. We also have runner-up prizes in each category – €50 Just Books vouchers.

How to enter

To enter simply email your short story to digital@celticmediagroup.com or post your story to Short Story Competition, Westmeath Examiner, Blackhall Place, Mullingar, County Westmeath. Closing date is Tuesday 31st March. Terms and conditions apply.

T&Cs

-Multiple entries by one person allowed.

-Entries should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words.

-You can submit by post or email.

-Entries must be submitted in English.

-Submission of entries is an agreement to allow your details and entry to be published in the Westmeath Examiner and used for promotional campaigns.

-Entrants’ details will not be available to the judges, therefore the judging will be done anonymously.