Would-be mystery authors: do you have a great idea for a short story - or even, perhaps, an unpublished short story that you have already completed? You might want to think about entering it in a competition set up by the British Crime Writers' Association, in conjunction with the Margery Allingham Society. The CWA is inviting authors to submit an unpublished short story (of no more than 3,500 words) that "fits Margery's definition of a mystery."
Full details - including that definition of a mystery - may be found by clicking here. You'll also find a submission form to accompany your entry. There is a fee - and there's also a substantial cash prize for the winner.
As readers of this blog know, Margery Allingham was one of the so-called "British Crime Queens" of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, usually defined as the years between the two World Wars. Her detective, Albert Campion, was a "gentleman sleuth," and he appears in a number of books - some out-and-out thrillers, others traditional puzzle-oriented mysteries. I have reviewed several of her books here, including my own favorite, Flowers for the Judge. If you're an unpublished writer, you might consider entering. Submissions are due by March 16, 2014.
A hat tip to Julia Jones who posted information to the Golden Age Detection group on Facebook about the competition.
I will certainly think about this, Les. Thanks for the tip. I've never entered a writing contest, but I've been toying with the idea since I do like to write (when I write) short stories.
Thanks again. :)
P.S. I think I'll have another Delano Ames coming up for next week.
Posted by: Yvettecandraw.blogspot.com | October 06, 2013 at 02:21 PM
By all means, Yvette - give it a shot, if you like. It sounds like an interesting talent. I do have to get some more of Ames's books.
Posted by: Les Blatt | October 06, 2013 at 02:27 PM