The requirements for a short story competition can vary. It could be that you have to submit your story by a certain deadline, stick to a particular style of writing, and make sure your story hasn't been published elsewhere before.
To win, you need a compelling opening to hook the judges. Develop complex characters they can relate to. And, proofread carefully to eliminate any errors.
First, come up with an interesting idea. Make it unique and something that will catch the judges' attention. Then, focus on creating well-developed characters and a clear plot. Also, pay attention to your writing style - keep it engaging and easy to follow.
Once upon a time, there was a pistol competition in a small town. The competitors were all kinds of characters. One guy showed up with a really old - fashioned pistol that looked like it was from a cowboy movie. When he fired, instead of hitting the target, it made a huge puff of smoke and the bullet went flying off in a completely wrong direction. Everyone burst out laughing, even the serious judges couldn't hold back their smiles.
Well, to judge a short story competition, you first need to look at the plot. Is it engaging and coherent? Also, check the character development. Are the characters believable and well-rounded?
You could write a short story about a time - traveling journalist. He travels back to the Victorian era to cover a big event. But when he gets there, he realizes that his modern - day knowledge and gadgets make him stand out and cause all kinds of trouble. He has to blend in and complete his assignment while also trying not to change the course of history.
Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Lily. She found a magic key in the garden. When she turned the key, a tiny door opened. Inside, there was a beautiful fairy who granted her one wish. Lily wished for a world full of flowers, and suddenly, everywhere was covered with colorful blooms.