Do
1    Grab my attention with an astounding first line and the follow it with an intriguing introductory paragraph.  Only then might I be interested to read on.

2    Appropriate humour always works well with me.  Make me laugh, not depressed.

3    Twist in the Tales are great - but only if the clues are all there in text and when I read it a second time, I can realise that I could have worked it out for myself.  (See Blindingly Foggy - my prize-winning short story I wrote which won a Writers News Competition)

Don't
1    Pull a rabbit out of a hat with a twist in the tale, or end the story that it was a dream.  That's what children in primary school do.  Oh and I'm sorry, but Sci Fi just doesn't work for me as a genre.  I can't get past those peculiar names or settings. I'm sorry if that's what you write, but everyone can't enjoy every writing genre there is. If your story is Sci Fi, then save your entry fee and send it to a more appreciative judge.

2    Use a font that so small I can't read your text.  I have to wear glasses as it is, I don't like using magnifying glasses at the same time.

3    Don't litter your text with clipart or other pictures.  Clipart doesn't turn a crap story into a great tale. 

Schedule of Competitions Judged/to be Judged