Short Story Competition

Join other local writers by sending us your composition of no more than 500 words, to be judged by Stroud’s own Katie Fforde.

Entries will be judged in three classes:

Primary School

Secondary School 11-16 years

Post 16 years and Adults

1st, 2nd and 3rd winners for each class will be displayed in the Horticultural Tent.

All Winners will receive Cash prizes.

The writer of the story judged to be Best in Show will also receive an illustration of their story by our resident artist Rachel Pegler.

Judging Criteria

Secondary School and Adult Entries will be judged on 

Drama- tension/surprise or development

Immersion- leading the reader into the story

Meaning – thought provoking/ believable

Structure – beguiling beginning and knockout ending!

Entries must not have been published or accepted for publication elsewhere.

The decision of the judges is final.

Competition Rules

Entries must be in English.

They should be a work of fiction.

Entries must be a maximum of 500 words.

The story can be on any topic, but must mention Stroud.

Copyright remains with the author.

Entries not complying with competition rules will be disqualified.

Entries must be received before the 1st July 2025.

All entries should be emailed to stroudshow@gmail.com. The label Creative Writing Entry should be written in the subject line of the email.