Hay - Francis MacManus Competition

pavb2 · 14-10-2009 05:29PM #1

Having entered the above competition (unsuccessfully)I recently read last years winner Hay. While this was a very good story I was interested in what the underlying themes of the story were and what sets it apart from so many entrants.

I would be very interested in peoples comments

Antilles · 14-10-2009 08:04PM

Haven't read it myself, I'm afraid. Hopefully someone here will have some insight for you, but you could also try the literature forum

fliptzer · 18-10-2009 08:04PM

Hi, I haven't read it but I'm not going to even though I'm entering the competition this year. It may be just me if I find if I read too many previous entries and winners I start thinking too much about what they're looking for, which subconciously makes my work seem more contrived.

Just write from the heart and regardless of theme, etc. I find a good story captures the readers emotion, if you can get that right it's always a good start.

Just my two cents worth...