Aside from agent hunting, one of my goals for 2018 was to write more short fiction and enter competitions to get my name out there and stay sharp. While I’ve probably done more flash fiction than short stories I have entered competitions and was proud to have been shortlisted for the University of Sunderland (and Waterstones) Short Story Award. If I’m honest I didn’t even realise I’d been longlisted as I hadn’t checked the site or made a record in my diary! Perhaps for the best as the email that came through was a pleasant surprise.
To be part of the final 10 was great enough but the email explained that the award was done in partnership with Bandit Fiction who would be putting together print and digital editions of the shortlisted entries. Look how pretty they are!
These editions are available to purchase here. There’s some stunning work here and I’m really happy to be a part of it – winning wasn’t important. Seeing my second published piece in the space of three or four months has spurred me on even more 🙂
ashleythorpe.com 