Competitions are an important tool we can use to help nurture our writing skills and profile. But how and why should we approach them?

You may be looking to better structure your writing practice, gain industry/reader exposure, win an award or perhaps even go viral. You might be hoping to attract an agent, publisher or mentor. Writing for competition can help you get closer to all of these goals. In this workshop, whether a seasoned writer or complete beginner, you’ll learn how best to leverage competitions and the writing you produce for them by:

· Exploring the importance of writing competitions

· Considering what different competitions are looking for

· Gaining insight into how other writers plan for and enter competitions

· Drafting an entry for a competition of your choosing

You’ll write lots on this workshop and read anything aloud that you’d like to (no pressure if you’d rather not). Should you wish, you’ll receive positive, constructive feedback on your work and will leave with a better understanding of the important role competitions can play in your writing. You’ll also develop a framework/strategy to funnel your own competition entries through.

Peter McAllister studied English Literature at The University of Cambridge, was awarded a Distinction for his MA in Creative Writing and now lectures at the University of Hull. He is the editor and co-founder of Inkfish Magazine and a committee member for the Penzance Literary Festival. In 2025, Peter is the Writer in Residence at The Morrab Library.

Peter’s writing builds layers of narrative through linked pieces that result in profound moments of self-realisation or dramatic action. He has been shortlisted and highly commended in several International Literary Prizes for his short-form fiction and poetry. His work has been published online, in print journals and numerous anthologies.