Pick of the Pops

Victory Radio and Portsmouth Authors Collective (PAC) have joined forces to offer a unique opportunity to new and experienced writers to have their story broadcast. Victory Online is based in Portsmouth but has listeners all over the UK tuning in on phones, tablets, computers and DAB+ radio. It’s a warm and inviting station, has brilliant presenters, nostalgic tunes that bring back memories and a variety of interviews, news items and community information. Quoting Bob Bruce, the owner “Its radio like it used to be!”

Write a 600 word short story using the title of a song from the 50’s to the 00’s. The title can be interpreted in any way the writer wishes but must be relevant to the story. The top ten shortlisted stories will be broadcast on Victory Radio over a two week period. Your chance to get a brand new audience for your writing!

Please read the ‘How to apply’ and ‘Rules & Regulation Notes’ carefully before applying.

 Rules & Application Notes

-Visit www.victoryonline.co.uk and Shop Victory Merchandise and purchase a ‘Short Story Competition Entry’ costing £5. Under shipping, select online entries for to avoid delivery charge.  You will need to buy separate entries for each story entered. (Three maximum)

-Entries can be purchased as soon as the Competition purchase options and the rules and entry requirements are live on Victory Online website but please do not email your entries in until 1st May when the submission window opens.

-The confirmed ‘Order Number #’ and title of your story (the song title) must be included in the subject title of the email.

-Send entries via email to story@victoryonline.co.uk

-Stories should be attached as a word document to the email. Please ensure ONLY the title of the story and your ‘Order Number’ appear on your story document. (All stories will be judged anonymously.)

-In the body of the email you should list your own details:
Your name, email address, your contact telephone number, title of your story (the song title) and address.

-The submission window opens on 1st May 2024 and closes on *31st May 2024
*Subject to change (submission window may be extended dependent on number of entries received)

-The story must be no longer than 600 words (excluding title).

-The song title must be the title of the story entered and can be interpreted in whatever way the writer wishes but must link into the story either by way of the lyrics, title, performer or era.

-All entries must be suitable for radio broadcast. Any stories that include bad language or anything the judges consider is of an offensive nature will not be considered.
The stories must not have been previously published in print, audio or online.

-Please use double spacing, standard font and size 12 Times New Roman and indented paragraphs.

-Submit your entry as a Word Doc, PDF or simply place your story into the body text of your email

–You must be 18+ and a resident of the UK.

-The TOP TEN shortlisted stories will be broadcast over a two week period (Mon-Fri) in July and the first, second and third placed entries will be announced after the last story has been broadcast. (All ten shortlisted stories will also receive a personal certificate listing their achievement)

-In addition to their stories being broadcast on Victory Online radio the top three authors from the ten broadcast will be awarded the following:

–First Prize – A ten book bundle of novels from Portsmouth Authors Collective, together with a voucher (to be announced live on radio) and Victory T-Shirt.

–Second Prize – A five book bundle of novels from Portsmouth Authors Collective, together with a Victory mug.

–Third Prize – A two book bundle of novels from Portsmouth Authors Collective, together with a Victory car sticker and pin badge.

CLICK ON THE PRODUCT BELOW AND SELECT YOUR NUMBER OF ENTRIES!