Flash Fiction competition

Author and playwright Willy Russell on stage at last year’s festival. The winner of the ‘Flash Fiction’ competition will get to perform their work at the festival in October

Inspired thinkers and snappy writers can enter a competition that could see them perform their work alongside an acclaimed author at this year’s Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival in October.

The ‘Flash Fiction’ contest is looking for stories that can make people stop and think in only a handful of words.

Festival organisers are looking for fiction that will make people think, and perhaps sum up the meaning of life in just a handful of words.

Councillor Dalaat Ali, Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community, said: “This is a great way for an aspiring author or someone who enjoys writing to demonstrate their skills. Some of the best writers can stop people in their tracks by using only a handful of words, and great authors can demonstrate the power of the written word with a few carefully selected sentences.”

The winner will have the opportunity to perform their stories live on Saturday 24 October at The Baum, alongside acclaimed flash fiction writers, including competition judge David Gaffney, author of several books including More Sawn Off Tales.

Those wanting to sharpen their literary skills can take part in a Flash Fiction workshop with David Gaffney and Sarah Conlon, a prize-winning author and master of the art, on 12 September at 11am to 1pm in Number One Riverside.

Entries should be between 250 and 500 words, 12 point, double spaced and sent to:

rochdalelitfest@rochdale.gov.uk

The deadline for entries is 19 September.

Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival runs from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October, promising another feast of events for all ages covering drama, comedy, dance, music, theatre, films, visual arts and children’s shows. Preview events will be held across the borough earlier in October.