There are two categories: 16-25 year old writers and 25+ year olds. Write a story in 300 words (not including the title) and send it to Sue Ashby, Corner Cottage, Bridge Street, Bourton, Dorset SP8 5BA, or email sue@dorsetwritersnetwork.co.uk.

Rules:

Your story must include the following phrase: I really wasn't in the mood... You can use the phrase anywhere in the story or in the title. Please make sure that the phrase makes sense in the context of the story. You can check you’ve included the phrase correctly before submission by using the 'find' facility. Shortlisted entrants are invited to attend a reading at Dorchester Library on 18th October 2014 where the judges will select the winning entries.

How to Enter:

1.Email or post your entry. Include your name and contact details (address, telephone, email) & Category 1 or 2 – on a separate sheet. Entries are judged anonymously, so your name and details must be on the separate document.

2. There's a charge of £4 per entry (£7 for 2 stories, £10 for 3) and you must live or work in Dorset. Cheques to be made to Dorset Writers' Network.

3. Book tokens will be given to the winner and the two runners up.

4. Your work must not have been previously published on-line or in print, or won or been placed in previous competitions.

5. The entry must be written by you. (Copyright remains with the writer.)

6. Maximum length is 300 words. [The title is in addition to the 300 words.]

7. Deadline for entries is Tuesday September 30th 2014.

The results will be announced here on the DWN website where the winning entries will be published.

Supported by DWN, The Phoenix Legacy, and Dorset County Council.