Dedicated to the older writer

Welcome to WriteTime

If you’re over 60 and you’d like to do more with your writing, this is the place for you.

As a social enterprise dedicated to the older writer, we publish new short stories from across the world and we run regular writing competitions.

Winning stories are published here on our website. For the top three stories plus Highly Commended listings AND details of our free feedback offer, see our Winners/Highly Commended pages.

The best short stories are selected for our showcase Anthology. Buy the WriteTime THREE book here.

If you’ve got some good stories to tell:

Now is the time.
Here is the place.
Get writing!

Encouraging writers over 60 to be their best

WriteTime has just one aim

To encourage older people to share their stories and their talent through our regular writing competitions

Make the most of your experience

Real life is always the starting point for compelling fiction, now is the time to draw on it

We want to hear from you

Our writing competitions are only open to writers aged over 60.

Latest Winner

Baby

By Julie Evans

When the pains come and go, I try to concentrate on our Billy’s balsa aeroplane twirling around on its string from the breeze through the window crack. I don’t want to cry out, for the women in the street to hear.

Mam . . . I want you, Mam. You’d know what to do.

I cut the cord with a pair of scissors and clear away the slime around her mouth and nose. She’s crying now.

Runners-Up

The Rag-Rug Boy

By Christine Griffin

Monday : An Afghan Coat with quirky accessories

The sign over the door never failed to give him a thrill. Tristan LeBrun – Bespoke Couturier. Tris knew he was one of the lucky ones – his own little empire with staff who shared his passion and the chance to spend time with beautiful fabrics and people who genuinely loved clothes.

“Nice outfit, Mr LeBrun,” Marina his assistant greeted him.

Silver Stilettos in Sainsbury's

By Vivian Stirling

I know people look at me. Brian likes them to notice me. I don’t mind.

I’m not a regular at Sainsbury’s. Brian favours Waitrose, but the road was up and this was nearer. I could see the woman who was admiring my blue and white shirt. Not M&S, dear. A little place I know off Kensington High Street.

Blue and white shirt, white trousers, white hair styled by Jasmine every week, and the silver stilettos.

Get the plot right

Every story needs a clear beginning, middle and end, but not necessarily in that order!

How will it end?

Your ending should take the reader straight back into the story and leave them with something to think about.

Make sure your characters are authentic

You need to know them inside out, how they think and how they speak.

Every writer wants to see their work in print – and reach the widest audience. The WriteTime Anthology is a rare prize and our third collection is now available. Another stunning collection of short stories by older writers, produced to the very highest standards.

Click on the book to get there.