Do you burn to write? Do you often find yourself searching for a scrap of paper or whipping out your cellphone to jot down an idea for a story that's suddenly jumped into your brain?

Most writers of fiction write for the sheer pleasure of writing. But honestly, who wouldn't be thrilled to see their work in print - and get paid for it? According to the website Writer's Digest, though, fewer than 5% of manuscripts submitted to publishers see the light of day. Of that paltry number, only 15% accepted are for first books.

It's hard not to be discouraged by stats like that, but it's vital to keep at the writing: believe in yourself and don't let rejection letters derail your writing dreams. And, most important of all, continuously hone your craft - and that means reading, reading, reading and writing, writing, writing.

Tracey Hawthorne

Editor

The Writers' College Newsletter  

Writers in South Africa have one month until deadline for our annual Short Story Writing Competition.

This competition is to acknowledge excellence in creative writing in the Short Story genre. The contest is open to any emerging writer residing in South Africa who is unpublished, or who has had fewer than four stories/articles published in any format or any genre (print or digital).

PRIZES:

• First Prize (Literary Category): R 5 000.00
• First Prize (Popular Fiction Category): R 5000.00
• Second Prize (Literary Category): R 1500.00
• Second Prize (Popular Fiction Category): R 1500.00

The top three entries in each category will be published on our college site, with editorial comments on their submitted works.

CLOSING DATE: 31 March 2014

Find the full details online at this link:

http://www.sawriterscollege.co.za/SAWC+2014+Short+Story+Competition.html