Writing stories

There's no shortage of advice for budding writers, but getting published can be a real challenge.

Much of the advice for writers of full-length novels is also relevant to authors of short stories, but there is also material specifically targeted at the writer of shorter fiction.

Often the best place to start is submitting your work to magazines (see magazines).

If you're looking for advice about writing, you should read Principles of a story by Raymond Carver, published on this site with the kind permission of Prospect magazine.

Information for writers Find out about magazines that accept short stories and read advice about submitting your stories

Competitions and Prizes

BBC National Short Story Award

Other prizes are awarded to short story writers, to which only publishers can submit entries.

A number of magazines and websites will pay a fee for any short story they publish. See Prizes for more details

Web links and books

Find out more about short story resources on the web and books about writing and the history of short stories.

Writers' residencies in Flanders and Brussels

The Brussels-based literary organization Het beschrijf is active as an organiser of festivals, lectures, debates and workshops. It boasts a broad network of contacts with publishers, translators, cultural organisations and the press, both in Belgium and abroad. Since October 2004 it has been part of Passa Porta, an international house of literature.

With the support of the Flemish government’s Department of Culture Het beschrijf has also developed a successful writer in residence scheme. Since the arrival of the first resident in October 2004 Het beschrijf has welcomed over 30 residents from 19 different countries. 

Writers of prose, poetry and literary essays can apply for a working period of 1 to 2 months in order to concentrate on a new manuscript or writing project. In some cases Het beschrijf also receives translators of Flemish literature who wish to do their research in Belgium or work together with the author.

For some writers their stay offers an excellent opportunity to become better acquainted with Brussels and Flanders.

The selected authors can choose between a comfortable flat in the city centre of Brussels or a private apartment in a marvellous country house in the rural village of Vollezele, only 20 km from the capital.

For more information about the terms and conditions and former residents, go to www.residencesinflanders.be or email info@residencesinflanders.be