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Wild Atlantic Writing Awards (WAWA)

10th edition

What we fear and love, sometimes in equal measure, are endings. But unbeknownst to us, endings arrive often in the guise of beginnings, crisis leading to opportunities. 

We call, yearn, scream primordially even, in utter frustration, for endings, when we’re at the end of our tether. When we are in pain, in panic, emotional or physical, even spiritual.

Yet we also do whatever we can to stop them from happening. In such circumstances, what is the best way forward?

Endings can be both friend and foe, they follow us closely all along our journey through Life. They’re our ‘anam caras’ (soul friends as Gaeilge, in Irish). Most of the times, they mean us no harm. They’re here to help. They make our eyes cry and our hearts jump for joy. 

Some say they’re our best friends, and like loves ones, maybe seldom appreciated. 

But enough of philosophy, down to creative writing. 

Here at Ireland Writing Retreat, we’d like to leave it up to you to decide. Tell us your view of Endings through a good old yarn. As Gaeilge, be a seanachie (a story-teller, a teller of tall tales).

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Endings, the new theme of our WAWA competition.

 

So, test your writing skills. 

Aside from our usual 500-word limit, there’s only one other condition. The word ‘endings’ cannot be used in your story title or in the story itself.

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Winners in each category will receive 500 euro in cash, or 1,000 euro off any of our writing retreats in 2025. 

 

Deadline for submissions: Sunday, January 12, 2025.  

Flash Fiction Award

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We feel the theme of ‘Endings’ with all its dimensions and connotations will appeal to you as it spans so many genres – sci-fi, crime, romance, horror, humour, thriller, mystery, whatever tickles you and your Muse’s fancy. 

 

As you write your story, remember to keep in mind three important guidelines:

  • the maximum length of your story should be 500 words, not including the title (please be mindful of this requirement, even one word over the limit can disqualify your entry);

  • judges should be left in no doubt that the core theme in your story is linked to ‘Endings;’ 

  • the word ‘endings’ (or any derivation) cannot be used in stories or in the titles of stories submitted for the competition, but judges should be in no doubt that the theme of 'endings' is reflected clearly in your stories;

  • multiple entries accepted. 

 

Let your imagination be your guide.

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PRIZE

The winner selected by a judging panel consisting of IWR tutors will receive 500 euro in cash or a voucher worth 1,000 euro redeemable towards any one of our retreats of your choice in 2025.

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And more.

 

With the writer’s permission, the top ten stories in each category will be published on the ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ website, with a short bio and photograph of the writer.

Writers retain all copyrights to their work.

Creative Nonfiction Award

 

As for our creative nonfiction competition, we offer you a similar challenge: to write about a true story in not more than 500 words, with ‘endings’ as a key element. Your story can be in the form of memoir, profile, literary journalism, personal essay, travel (and remember, award-winning travel articles don't have to be about exotic destinations, it could be about your own hometown), food or any creative nonfiction category you prefer.

As you write your story, remember to keep in mind three important guidelines:

  • the maximum length of your story should be 500 words, not including the title (please be mindful of this requirement, even one word over the limit can disqualify your entry);

  • judges should be left in no doubt that the story is true and the core theme in your story is linked to ‘endings;’ 

  • the word ‘endings’ (or any derivation) cannot be used in stories or in the headlines of stories submitted for the competition, but judges should be in no doubt that the theme of 'endings' is reflected clearly in your stories;

  • multiple entries accepted. 

Let your imagination be your guide.

​

PRIZE

The winner selected by a judging panel consisting of IWR tutors will receive 500 euro in cash or a voucher worth 1,000 euro redeemable towards any one of our retreats of your choice in 2025.

And more.

 

With the writer’s permission, the top ten stories in each category will be published on the ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ website, with a short bio and photograph of the writer. Writers retain all copyrights to their work.

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