Thread: Bridport Competition

Had anyone here entered the Bridport anual short story compeition? If so have you had much luck?

I sent off the first short story I ever wrote to that thinking it would win. Obviously it didn't since I didn't even give the story an edit... but I was inexperienced back then!

I'm thinking of trying my hand again at some point soon and just wondered if anyone else regularly gives it a go? If so what experiences have you had?

Hey Potty,

I have entered a few times and longlisted in 2010. My name should be up there for that year. Really high standard comp so make sure you send your best. I will likely enter this year.

I've often wondered what sort of standard goes in. Is it usualy really descriptive writing that gets seleceted or does a good story make it a winner or a combination of the two? I have this image in my mind of "Artsy fartsy" stories being picked over a hard hitting plot.

thoughts?

Originally Posted by Potty

I've often wondered what sort of standard goes in. Is it usualy really descriptive writing that gets seleceted or does a good story make it a winner or a combination of the two?..

thoughts?

I've never heard of Bridport before, but I suppose that's because it's a UK-based competition.

Looking through their site, I found what they are looking for in their shorts (based on their past judges comments). Skimming it, it's clear each judge has their own preferences (like all people). Though, if you were to ask me, I would say a good short story is something that resonates with the reader.. Something the reader finds herself thinking about long after she's finished reading.

Here's what the past judges have had to say about what they look for:
The BRIDPORT PRIZE - Short story and poetry competition

Originally Posted by Potty

I have this image in my mind of "Artsy fartsy" stories being picked over a hard hitting plot.

I'm not a fan of the term, "artsy fartsy", even though it's cute sounding. So here's the correct terminology for you:

"artsty fartsy" = literary fiction

"hard hitting plot" = commercial fiction

Originally Posted by KyleColorado

"artsty fartsy" = literary fiction

"hard hitting plot" = commercial fiction

That's me told!

If you go to their site you'll be able to purchase a copy of the anthology, which I believe is a compilation of the winners and shortlisted entries. I bought a downloadable version and saved it to cd. The styles are very varied, and the standard of writing is good. If you're shortlisted, or even longlisted, rest assured you have produced a quality piece of writing. It's a world renowned competition in the world of short fiction. I'd never heard of it until early last year, when someone mentioned one of my shorts might be worth an entry. When I discovered the prestige of the competition I was a little taken aback, but duly sent my story off anyway. Didn't get anywhere with it, but I'll be back for another shot, probably next year.

In their guidelines is the disclaimer that awards can't be given posthumously, so if you send them a cracking story make sure you don't die.

Just went to the site. Thanks for the link Kyle. Bought the download of 2011, which is only 5lbs Brit. About 8bucks US. It's a charitable org so from here you get declined and they do a terrorism check by automated phone call. Maybe that's just me. Then it goes through. Read 4of6 flash winners so far. No problem if you want to say artsyfartsy in your piece. pp

Potty I would say give it a go either way. What's the harm in getting your name out there? I've never heard of it until I read this thread, but it's a competition, & all kinds of people read those inclusing people in the publishing business. The worst that can happen is nothing. As far as "Artsy Fartsy" I get what you mean, and that's why it pays to read their guidelines before entering. Not every story is going to be a cerebral otherwordly story full of metaphors. Some stories are just what they are: A telling of something that happened. The good writers can get their point across any way they choose, & not everyone can write like Nabakov & take an entire page of flowery language to say, basically, We did it in the motel room. Not that we would have wanted him to write it that way,(I certainly wouldn't) but you get it. It's why we're all here: To find a way to put it together so it suits the story & will make people want to read it. I say do it & good luck.

I'm thinking of entering this year, but it's probably the most intimidating competition that I've come across so far. I've entered three competitions with my shorts this month with a few magazines and am in the process of writing for the spring editions of the usual bunch, but this one definitely looks more impressive.

At least May gives me plenty of time to get over the jitters.

My best advice would be to not write a piece for the competition at all. And by that I mean write something you love. Write for yourself. Just write. And if you happen to write a story you love, then send it. I never write to fit a theme or outline or demand or criteria. I write first, how I enjoy writing, and then I look for a market that suits my style/theme.