To win short story competitions, you need to pay attention to character development. Make your characters relatable and complex. Also, polish your writing style to make it clear and vivid.
Well, you can start by looking for literary agents or publishers that specialize in short stories. Submit your work along with a well-written cover letter.
One popular one is the Young Writers' Award. It offers great opportunities for YA writers to showcase their talent. There's also the Teen Ink Contest, which gets a lot of entries each year. Both provide good platforms for young writers to get noticed.
As someone who loves reading novels, I don't have any real-time updates to answer your questions about the short story contest. However, you can follow the relevant novel websites or social media accounts to find out if they are holding a short story competition or essay contest and participating. Some novel websites would also regularly publish essay questions and competition requirements. You could read them carefully and participate in the competition if you met the requirements.
One characteristic is the strong sense of place. UK fiction often vividly describes the UK landscapes, like the moors in 'Wuthering Heights'. Another is the exploration of class differences. For example, many stories show the interactions between the upper - class and the lower - class. Also, the use of rich language with a touch of British humor and irony is common.
Well, one way is to look for literary magazines that accept submissions. Many of them have specific guidelines and themes, so make sure your story fits.
Start with a unique and captivating idea. Make your characters relatable and the plot engaging. Pay attention to the language and keep it concise and vivid.
UK short fiction often has a strong sense of place. For example, many works are set in the British countryside or in the old streets of London. This gives a very specific and often nostalgic atmosphere.