WELCOME TO WATFORD WRITERS' COMPETITION PAGE

Inspired by the wonderful talk on Astrophotography by special guest speaker Karan Bawa at our 21st birthday celebration, this month's writing competition theme is Space and Astronomy. You can write about any celestial object(s), space travel, or even science fiction - as long as it has a space or astronomical theme. (Note: Please stay clear of Astrology!).

It's another double-header! That is to say, flash fiction and poetry. 

You are invited to submit up to 2 entries; however you cannot enter 2 entries in the same category.

Deadline for all entries has been extended to 7pm on Friday 20 March.

Flash Fiction:

• You should give your entry(s) a clear title. (Your title is not included in word count). 
• Please do not use the title of the theme in your own title.
• Maximum of 500 words per entry. No minimum word count.
• Maximum of 1 entry in this category.
• Please ensure that your entry does not use derogatory terms, words, themes, or language likely to cause offence. 
• Word.doc or pdf format should be used. No other format will be accepted.
• All entries must be NEW, and not previously published, written, read-out, uploaded online in any format anywhere, or recycled from any previous work.
• Please do not place your name on your entry(s).
• Deadline for submissions: Friday 20 March 2026, 7pm.
• Please check your entry carefully before submitting as changes may not be possible after submission.
• Submissions received after deadline will not be accepted. No correspondence will be entered into.
• Scoring will commence on Saturday 21 March 2026, 10am. Details to follow.
• Please note that any breach of the competition rules and scoring criteria will result in your entry(s) being withdrawn. This decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

• All entries should be Emailed to: ianwelland@hotmail.co.uk

Poetry:

• You should give your entry(s) a clear title. (Your title is not included in word count). 
• Please do not use the title of the theme in your own title.
• Maximum of 48 lines per entry. Minimum of 12 lines per entry.
• Maximum of 1 entry in this category.
• Please ensure that your entry does not use derogatory terms, words, themes, or language likely to cause offence. 
• Word.doc or pdf format should be used. No other format will be accepted.
• All entries must be NEW, and not previously published, written, read-out, uploaded online in any format anywhere, or recycled from any previous work.
• Please do not place your name on your entry(s).
• Deadline for submissions: Friday 20 March 2026, 7pm.
• Please check your entry carefully before submitting as changes may not be possible after submission.
• Submissions received after deadline will not be accepted. No correspondence will be entered into.
• Scoring will commence on Saturday 21 March 2026, 10am. Details to follow.
• Please note that any breach of the competition rules and scoring criteria will result in your entry(s) being withdrawn. This decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

• All entries should be Emailed to: ianwelland@hotmail.co.uk

PLEASE READ THE RULES CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR ENTRY(S).

Watford Writers' competitions are only open to those on our current Email circulation list.

Results will be announced at our Zoom meeting on 30 March 2026.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERS