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The
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Between my finger and my thumb  

The squat pen rests; snug as a gun.

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Digging - Seamus Heaney

The Squat Pen Rest is a short story competition sponsored by the Royal Society of Literature and Wiltshire Writes@Swindon New College. To learn more about Wiltshire Writes, please click below.

Please read the rules below before entering the competition.
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Rules

This short story competition is open to all writers,  aged 18 and over who live in the UK.

 

The maximum word count is 750 words and does not include the story title.

 

Required format:  Double space, 12 pt font with any readable font accepted. File Formats of .doc or .docx. and .pdf are recommended. The file name should be the title and if there is no title it should be the first line of the short story.

 

Any works that are found to be plagiarised or created with AI will be disqualified.

 

All entries must be submitted by 31 of July, 2026 (23:59). Entry fees are £5.00. Please contact the Squat Pen Rests team for any questions or support.

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Prizes

Cash prizes will be determined based on number of entries and provided to the top six winners . Winners will be announced in September 2026.

 

The top six winners will also be invited to an awards ceremony in October 2026 and will be given the option to read their work to an audience of friends, family and the general public, competing for an additional readers choice award.

 

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Contact Us Now

Have a question about the contest?  Feel free to reach out. 

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