Hemingway’s Reading List
Dec 22, 2025
In 1934 Ernest Hemingway gave a young writer his advice and suggested a list of books any aspiring author should read…
January Competitions
Dec 21, 2025
Another list of writing competitions with deadlines in the coming month.
Globe Soup Open closes
Dec 9, 2025
The Globe Soup Open competition, with a Grand Prize of £2,000, closes on 16 December.
Christmas Party
Dec 9, 2025
Thanks go to Ethel for organising a very successful Christmas Party! We met old friends, exchanged intriguing gifts, and struggled with Mike’s quote-based quiz. A good time was had by all!
Merry Christmas!
Newsletter
Dec 6, 2025
Telegraph Poetry
Nov 28, 2025
The Daily Telegraph has a poetry competition. UK residents only, no cash prize but a year’s subscription, publication and performance in a short film. The theme is ‘Mothers’.
December Competitions
Nov 21, 2025
My latest list is here.
Anthology Published
Nov 19, 2025
Our anthology of entries to the Michael Round Prize is now available on Amazon! The paperback is priced at £8.99 and the Kindle version at £3.00 (outside the UK it may be a few days more before it appears). The cover design, by our own Jo Bodley, includes elements that refer to several of the stories. The main pomegranate motif is from the Palestinian embroidery tradition of tatreez, mentioned in the winning story.
Please do buy copies (they make great Christmas presents) and give us good reviews.
Christmas!
Nov 15, 2025
Our next gathering will be our Annual Christmas Social, held upstairs at the Spread Eagle, Croydon, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, 8th December. Partners and friends are welcome.
The cost is £20, which includes a delicious buffet and another of Mike’s quizzes!
We also invite you to bring along a literary-themed Secret Santa gift (up to £10) to share in the festive spirit.
Six Mistakes
Nov 13, 2025
Debi Alper on Six Mistakes Almost All Authors Make.
Croydon Writers 