The W.F. and F.G. Froud Children's Short Story Competition 2011 Results

First prize: 5-8 age groups
Patricia Rissen, Lakenheath, Nr. Branden, Suffolk

Second Prize: 9-10 age group
Janet Turner, Brockenhurst, Hants.

Third Prize: 11 age upward age group
Peter Richardson, Leeds

OVERALL CRITQUE

As usual, we enjoyed reading these stories. We've written a separate assessment for each of the three winners- all worthy contestants- but have been asked to produce an overall crit., covering all 57 entries. Here goes....

Practically every manuscript carried mistakes in punctuation, spelling and grammar. Overall, these weaknesses seem to indicate that the writers failed to check their stories before submitting. For example, the misuse of very simple words like bear and bare must be due to carelessness. There are several other examples. We suggest all entrants check through their entries, actively searching for such mistakes. This will ensure they're not repeated in future work. Most entrants observed the rules, but a small number had to be disqualified for ignoring them. Double spacing was requested, but few writers failed to conform. At, least one entrant gave a full name and address on the first page, despite this been a clear no-no.

All three winning entries were will suited to the designated age groups. It's essential, when writing a story, to be absolutely sure of the age group for which you're writing. Several entries failed in this respect and gave the impression that they were submitted merely because the writers had enjoyed writing them. That's fine, of course- you should enjoy your writing- but if the reader is also to enjoy it, your story must be suitable for their age group. Bear in mind that we're in the 21st century and children of today are vastly different from those of your own childhood. This suspect played a large part in our winning selection. All three winning entries were "spot on "for the age group chosen. Make a point of reading children's books and magazines. Talk to those in the age group for which you're writing - but not your grandchildren. When they praise you to the skies. Remember that they love you and want to please.

Finally perhaps a few hints would be useful for those of you who intend to enter other competitions.

1. Read the rules carefully- at least three times- so that you know exactly what is wanted and then stick to them. Particularly note the word-count and deadline.

2. Ensure that our plot flows smoothly moving naturally from one event to another- but be sure to introduce a few surprises, too.

3. Write the first version of your story immediately, so that you have time to make corrections and alterations well before the deadline.

4. Be very careful about the names of your characters. Don't make them too ordinary and dull, but steer clear, too of using the names of pop stars etc. Above all, be consistent. Don't change names, descriptions etc-that is, don't change Joan to Jane half way through or give her green eyes when she started out with blue.

5. Never forget the last ultra-careful check. Typing mistakes can ruin an otherwise good sentence, making a complete nonsense of what you've written.

6. Believe in Yourself. If you're not a winner in this competition, why not look at your story again to see if you can make it better or even adapt it for another competition? If you really want to be a writer, never give up.

The Society of Civil and Public Service Writers welcomes new members. Those eligible include serving or retired members of the Civil Service, Armed Forces, National Health Service, Local Government, Police or any Public Service. Membership inquiries, with S.A.E., should be sent to Mrs Joan Lewis, 17 The Green, Corby Glen, Grantham, NG33 4NP, or email joan@lewis5634.fsnet.co.uk; or visit the website www.scpsw.co.uk

235 words

Jenny Chamier Grove
SCPSW Publicity Officer

A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE
Competitions for members only

There are prizes to be won in the SCPSW annual competitions for short stories, travel articles and poems, which will close on 28 Feb 2012.

Lewis Wright Short Story Competition Prizes: 1st £75; 2nd £25. Entry fee £4 per story.

Herbert Spencer Poetry Competition Prizes: 1st £50; 2nd £25. Entry fee £2.0 per entry.

Vincent Brennan Travel Article Prize: one only of £30. Entry fee £2.50 per entry.

Short stories should be not more than 3,000 words; travel articles not more than 2,000 words; poems not more than 40 lines, with each poem on a separate sheet.

Stories and articles should be typed, double-spaced, on A4 paper, with word count. All entries should bear only the name of the competition being entered, a title, the author’s pen name and a separate sheet quoting: the name of the competition being entered, pen name, title, real name and address. Entries will be returned if accompanied by SAE.

Entries to Competition Secretary, Nina Mattar, NOT LATER THAN 28 FEBRUARY 2012.

The competitions are open only to SCPSW members. Those eligible include serving or retired members of the Civil Service, Armed Forces, National Health Service, Local Government, the Police Force or any Public Service

For details of membership send SAE to Mrs Joan Lewis, 17 The Green, Corby Glen, Grantham, Lincs, NG33 4NP or