I occasionally enter short story competitions, provided the entry is free. The flip side of such tightness is that the prize is always peanuts, but the winners are usually published and to my mind, that's what it's all about - getting out there and getting noticed

This is a Valentine's competition, so there has to be a romantic element to your story, but other than that, the story can be any genre.

If you've always wanted to write but can't come up with a decent plot, this may be the competition for you. In your story you have to include a spilled drink, and a case of mistaken identity. So there you are - the plot is almost written for you. Get all that into a succinct 1500 words or less, and you could be the winner.

OK, you'll only get £10.00, but you will get some recognition in the form of publication

Why not give it a go? I have! Click here for further details: Valentine's competition  and while you'r at it, why not read my story, A No-No?