We have launched a short story competition for budding crime writers.
Send your best work – up to 2,500 unpublished words – to possibly win a £1,000 prize, a signed copy of head judge Val McDermid’s latest book and your story in the paper.
And with £250 available to two runners-up, this could be the time to put pen to paper on the idea you’ve had for a while.
To enter, just email us at features@mirror.co.uk with ‘Short story competition’ in the subject line before the closing date of May 30.
1. Don't waste time
The word count is short so you have to get the story going quickly. Even if you're building suspense you have to drive things forward.
2. Not everyone sounds the same
Distinctive dialogue helps us build a picture of the character. Read your work aloud to ensure it sounds authentic and that the characters use different sentence structure and vocabulary. (But DO NOT attempt to do accents phonetically!)
3. Make every word count
Every word has to earn its keep. If it’s not doing a job, cut it and make room for a word that will.
4. Pay attention to time and place
The best stories have a strong sense of place. A place you know well is always a good background for the action.
5. Have fun
If it’s a chore, it shows. These are your characters, your story. Let your imagination loose.
