A few months ago, I ran a writing competition to win a copy of my latest book of short stories, A Walk in the Woods. I had some super entries and so, as it’s coming up to the sixth anniversary of the release of my first book of short stories, The Siege, I thought it was time for another competition.
One of the stories in The Siege opens as follows:
I didn’t know what had happened. Not at first. And then I knew.
I’d like your story to open in the same way. What happens after those first three lines is up to you. Your character could have woken up and not known where they were or perhaps they arrived home and the front door was wide open. There are all sorts of possibilities. Let your imagination go.
The maximum word count for your story is 500 words. The closing date is Friday 19th June. E-mail your entries to estherchilton@gmail.com
I’ll choose the winning entry after the closing date and publish the story on my blog. The winner will also receive a copy of The Siege, penned under the name Esther Newton.

This looks fun I may have a go. 🙂
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Please do!
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Great, Esther. Sharing.
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Thank you so much, Robbie.
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This looks fun, I will try and find time and remember to enter this time..
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Great!
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It’s such an enigmatic line. I just had to give it a try. I’ve written something and sent it to you. 🙂
Is it OK for me to post it on my blog as well?
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Many thanks for your story. And of course it’s fine for you to post on your blog as well 😁
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Thanks Esther, I hope you have a lovely Sunday 🙂
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I’m wondering…would it be okay to just post our story on our blog and link back to you–rather than sending it to you? I’m not really interested in participating in a competition–but I’m very intrigued by the lines which are the prompt. Whatever you reply is fine 🙂 Blessings to you ❤
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Of course! No problem at all 😃
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Oh cool! Thank you very much 🙂 🙂
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Ooh yes – I’m in!
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Fantastic!
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Entry sent! That was fun.
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Great! Thank you 😊
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Oooh, intriguing! I will try my best to enter this time, Esther! Can’t believe it’s been six years! ❤
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That would be super! 💖
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Thanks, Esther! ❤
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Here’s my offering, thanks for allowing me to write for this prompt without being part of the competition 🙂 https://cobbledcontemplations.com/2020/06/08/color-of-death/
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Pls check my entry too:https://sanjunaa.wordpress.com/2020/06/18/finding-home/
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