Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA)
8th edition
Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life” - and he was right.
And change comes in many shapes and forms, some planned but some unplanned and totally unexpected.
Events happen, often beyond our control, leading us to change our views. Of ourselves, of life, of others, irrevocably. Sometimes for the better. Sadly, sometimes for the worse.
So, ‘change’ is a key word in everyday life. Perhaps even more so in the fast-paced, modern, post-Covid world in which we all live.
As such, ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ is delighted to announce ‘change’ as the buzzword for our latest ‘Wild Atlantic Writing Awards.’ Our competition has two categories - flash fiction and creative non-creative.
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Winners in each category will receive 500 euro in cash, or 1,000 euro off any of our writing retreats in 2024.
Deadline for submissions: Sunday, December 10, 2023.
Flash Fiction Award
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We feel the theme of ‘Change’ 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:
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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);
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judges should be left in no doubt that the core theme in your story is linked to ‘Change;’
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the word ‘change’ cannot be used in stories or in the headlines of stories submitted for the competition, but judges should be in no doubt that the theme of change is reflected clearly in your stories.;
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multiple entries accepted.
Let your imagination be your guide.
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PRIZE
The winner selected by a judgind panel consisting of IWR tutors will receive 500 euro in cash or a voucher worth 1,000 euro redeemable towards any one of our retreats of your choice in 2024.
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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 ‘Change’ 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 ‘change;’
-
the word ‘change’ cannot be used in stories or in the headlines of stories submitted for the competition, but judges should be in no doubt that the theme of change is reflected clearly in your stories;
-
multiple entries accepted.
Let your imagination be your guide.
​
PRIZE
The winner selected by a judging panel consisting of IWR tutors will receive 500 euro in cash or a voucher worth 1,000 euro redeemable towards any one of our retreats of your choice in 2024.
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.