THE RIDER HAGGARD SOCIETY
ANNUAL SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2012

Rider Haggard became famous for his adventure stories, often set in remote parts of the world and in historical settings. Often these included the themes of reincarnation, friendship in adversity and a very modern attitude to other races.

REQUIREMENTS: You are not asked to write like Haggard but must meet the following two criteria. If any aspect of the criteria is missing the entry will be eliminated.

a) Entrants are invited to write a short story using the oral tradition of many of Haggard's stories as if seated at a camp-fire telling the story to friends.
b) Begin with this sentence from a Haggard novel: "Across the wide backs of the waves, beneath the mountains, and between the islands, a ship came stealing from the dark in to the dusk, into the dawn."

Develop this into a story with one of the themes mentioned at the top of this sheet.
The story should be no more than 2,500 words of single spaced A4 in size 12.

An emailed version (as a word.doc or RTF if that is not possible) is preferred unless impossible, with a title and pages numbered. Please do NOT put your name on the manuscript as it will be submitted without name for assessment but do initial the bottom of the pages (and include separately full details of name, contact etc.). If you would like it returned to you with the results please enclose an appropriate SAE.
Entry fee of £10 per entry. Payable to Roger Allen.
Send all entries to Roger Allen, 27 Deneholm. Whitley Bay NE25 9AU. All enquiries via rb27allen@blueyonder.co.uk Please indicate where you saw these details.

DEADLINE: 30th March 2012

JUDGING: following short-listing, the editor and two members of the society will judge independently. The panel's decision will be final.

PRIZE: Copies of the winning (and possibly other) entrants will be circulated in the Rider Haggard Society Journal that has members world-wide and made available to all members.
: A first prize of £200 and a year's free membership of the Society.
: 2 runners- up will be offered a year's free membership .
** IF there are more than 25 entrants the prize will be increased proportionately so encourage your friends to join in!! **

All entrants will be given a special offer with regard to the Society and Haggard books.