Current Competitions
Write a Haiku
A Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry which has only 3 lines. It does not rhyme but follows a strict syllable count. A Haiku should follow this pattern:
1st Line - 5 syllables
2nd Line - 7 syllables
3rd Line - 5 syllables
Traditional Japanese Haikus commonly explore themes of nature and the seasons, as well as featuring Japanese animals. The content is entirely up to the poet, however we would be looking for them to follow the syllable count.
1st Place - Full Page feature in the magazine about the poet, certificate and Japanese themed prizes
2nd Place - Japanese sweets and a manga book, certificate and feature in the magazine
3rd Place - Japanese sweets, certificate and feature in the magazine
Famous Examples of Haikus
First autumn morning
the mirror I stare into
shows my father's face.
- Murakami Kijo
An old silent pond...
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
- Matsuo Bashō
Toward those short trees
We saw a hawk descending
On a day in spring.
- Masaoka Shiki
Best Themed Submission -
Autumn 2015
For the best adoption/interpretation of the theme 'Gothic' for the Autumn 2015 issue, there will be a special feature of the winner in the following Winter issue, copies of brand new Horror and Betrayal short story anthologies courtesy of Granta Books, as well as a certificate to honour their writing success.
Editor's Choice/Ace of Herts Award
For Poetry, Prose and Script pieces per issue, there will be an Editor's Choice Award where the Deputy Editor and Editor decide their favourite entries from each genre. The winners will receive an exclusive interview about their piece and featured in a two page spread in the magazine as well as a certificate.
