So you are entering an HWC competition. Watch out for these!

When you enter a writing competition with the HWC, please try and observe these guidelines.

The big one:

Grab your readers’ attention especially in the first paragraph

First and last sentences are very important

The other points :

• Get someone to read it, to pick up obvious mistakes
• Present your work neatly , clearly and tidily
• Look out for typos
• Don’t waste words – leave it out if it doesn’t enhance the story or character
• Indent your paragraphs
• Don’t overdo words. Don’t use gorgeous, beautiful – use a more specific : Richly decorated
• Punctuate and use the proper layout
• Character should emerge – should not be described
• Avoid slang – write in good English
• We must care about the main character! Make him/her interesting/sympathetic.
• Number pages
• Use single quotes

Oscar.