Dragonfly 'Story in a teacup' Short Story Competition #seanocarolan.com #Writing #Contest

Enter our 'story in a teacup' competition, in association with Henley Literary Festival

We are proud and excited to launch our inaugural Dragonfly 'Story in a teacup' Short Story Competition in collaboration with the Henley Literary Festival! For thousands of years tea drinking and creative expression have gone hand-in-hand, inspiring writers, painters, musicians and the unsung artists of everyday life alike.

Tea is a magical and mysterious drink, and each cup of tea has its own special story to tell. In celebration of the little green leaf, we have chosen the names of a few of our delicious teas as titles to stir your imagination and inspire talented but as yet unknown story tellers.

So pour yourself a cup, give your creativity free rein and lead us on a new voyage of the imagination. Whether it's the main competition, the children's competition of even the flash fiction competition, we look forward to reading your stories.

Heading the adult category is bestselling writer Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before You and The One Plus One, and Helen Lederer, the Absolutely Fabulous and Hollyoaks star who recently published her first novel. Lauren Child, author of the Charlie & Lola series is leading the judging of the two children’s categories.

Good Luck!

For all queries relating to the Dragonfly Short Story Competition please email hello@dragonflyshortstory.com.


Main Competition

Word limit 3,000 words
Stories can be on any theme or subject, but the author must choose a title from one of the following:Emerald Mountain, Swirling Mist,Moonlight Jasmine or Green Gaucho(you can find out more by exploring our website!)
1st prize - £2,500
2nd prize - £750
3rd prize - £250
Children’s Competition
Word limit 500 words

Stories can be written on any theme or subject, but the author must start by entitling the story Skinny Dragon (you can find out more by exploring our website!)
5-10 years-old category:
£50 book vouchers for child,
£200 book vouchers for child’s school
11-15 years-old category:
£50 book vouchers for child,
£200 book vouchers for child’s school
Flash Fiction Competition
(entry via Dragonfly Facebook page)
1st prize - £750
2nd prize - £250