Submissions are now open for 2026
Named in honour of our beloved patron, the late Ruth Rendell, our biennial short story competition is great chance to get your creative juices flowing
Competition Brief
-
Write a short story in any genre
-
The story must be no more than 1000 words
-
We look for positive stories that can be read in the sensitive environment of a hospital setting
Previous Competition Entries
Need inspiration for the next competition?
Click below to see the Short Listed Entries for previous years
Baroness Ruth Rendell 2012
2024 Short Listed Entries
WINNER
2022 Short Listed Entries
WINNER
2020 Short Listed Entries
WINNER
2018 Short Listed Entries
WINNER
InterAct Stroke Support's
Ruth Rendell Short Story Competition
Previously judged by the late thriller and murder mystery author, Ruth Rendell CBE - InterAct's Short Story Competition is now named after her. The competition is more recently judged by Margaret Drabble DBE; biographer, novelist and short story writer.
The top 3 stories are shortlisted and performed by professional actors that work for InterAct. It is a biennial competition and the ceremony takes place at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.
The winner of the competition will be commissioned to write four further stories for InterAct Stroke Support over the course of one year, and will receive £1,000 in payment.
The next winner will be chosen by Head Judge Dame Margaret Drabble in an Awards Ceremony in 2026.