N – Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA) Creative Nonfiction Award. Theme: “Change”

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.

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 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.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please read the rules carefully before submitting your entry. Entries not complying with competition rules may be disqualified.

Eligibility

• Entries must be the work of the entrant.

• Entries must be in English.

• We accept previously published work (as long as the writer still retains the rights) and unpublished work.

• We welcome entrants worldwide.

Format

• Entries must be no more than 500 words. Please be mindful of this requirement, even one word over the limit can disqualify your entry. Maximum length does not include the title. 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.

• Entries will only be accepted in the following formats: Microsoft Word Document (.doc or .docx), OpenDocument Text (.odt), Rich Text Format (.rtf), Text Document (.txt) and pages. Or in the body of the email. 

Submission

• Entries must be received before midnight Irish time on Thursday, November 30th 2023.

• Winners will be announced in January 2024.

• There is no limit to the number of entries an entrant may make.

• Multiple entries must be submitted separately.

• Entries will be acknowledged by email.

• No replacement of entry or editing is permitted after story has been submitted. 

• Entrants retain all rights to their stories.

• If you do not receive a confirmation email within one week of submission (don’t forget to check your spam), please contact us via the contact page.

Payment

• Entry fee per story is 10.00 euro. 

• Payment is through PayPal only, but you do not need a PayPal account to enter. If you do not have a PayPal account, and do not want to create one, you can pay using your debit or credit card.

• Stories will not be read if the fee has not been paid.

• No refunds will be given.

SUBMISSION OF ENTRY CONFIRMS ACCEPTANCE OF THESE RULES