Fiction writers urged to get cracking and send in their latest short story

By Mary Dennehy

AS THE start of the Red Line Book Festival draws closer, local writers are encouraged to take part in the festival’s short story competition – which is being judged by one of Ireland’s leading literary scouts.

The festival will open a new chapter in its successful history this October 12 when the five-day celebration of the written word returns to South Dublin County – bringing local, national and international writers, poets, speakers and performers to a host of local venues.

Organised by South Dublin Libraries, the festival is currently calling out for local writers to submit work for its short story competition – which is being run in partnership with IT Tallaght and South Dublin County Council.

Open to anyone over the age of 16, entries must be between 1,500 and 2,000 words, in short story format, unpublished and original fiction.

Free to enter, all shortlisted entries will be published in an anthology. Prizes up for grabs include €500 for first, €250 for second and €150 for third.

The competition has already received entries from around the world, however IT Tallaght has put a call-out for local entries from writers living here in South Dublin County.

The deadline for entries to the competition – which is being judged by one of Ireland’s leading literary scouts and the founder of the Inkwell Group, Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin – is September 5.

For more details on the competition visit www.redlinebookfestival.ie