I have just been re-reading some wonderful poems, shortlisted in the Tom Howard Poetry Contest. It was extremely difficult to select the short list, but it is proving even harder to pick and choose between 48 really fine poems. However, I still hope to announce the winning poets by mid-December at the latest.

I’m actually sweating on the results of a competition myself, so I know the feeling first hand. But for me it is the readers rather than the judge who will decide my fate. Donard Publishing (U.K.) has given my short story, "Mexican Autumn" (which I entered in a previous Donard contest), the number one spot in their End-of-the-Year Competition, but now it is up to readers such as yourself to see if you agree with the judge's placing. The link is:

http://www.donardpublishing.com/endlist03.html


When you get there, click on "Mexican Autumn" (number one, as I said), wait for the page to appear and then (if you like the story) send off the blank email that pops up when you press the “Vote” button.

The other good news is that my writers’ site has received an encouraging amount of appreciative mail. The URL is:

http://writenews.exactpages.com

Among the many current goodies, you’ll find details of the latest Tom Howard Short Story Contest [which now offers A$2,375 (US$1,600) in cash prizes], plus, of course, the Short List for the Tom Howard Poetry Contest, plus a free-to-enter Essay Contest (with cash prizes totalling $225), plus info on and extracts from my new book, How To Win Writing Contests, Literary Competitions, Short Story Awards, Poetry Prizes, etc. (That was certainly well timed!)