Dublin is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave. I am very hot, yet I am drinking copious cups of tea. In my seasonal discombobulation, I have no idea what I’m supposed to wear to work or eat for dinner. I am shimmying in a glorious, sweaty vortex of sartorial, culinary, and general confusion. It is magnificent. Long may it last.

Here are some upcoming deadlines for short story competitions. You could go work on your submissions in a park or something. Sit all squinty in deep concentration under a tree or a faffy parasol. Wouldn’t that be lovely? I think so.

Over The Edge New Writer of the Year (Fiction and Poetry): Deadline, August 7th — Cash prizes and a featured reader slot for the winner.

Wow! Award (Fiction and Poetry): Deadline, November 1st —  Cash prizes and publication in WOW! Anthology 2014 for winners and shortlistees,

Seán Ó Faoláin Short Story Competition: Deadline, July 31st — First prize: €2,000 (!)

Mslexia, New Writing: Deadline, September 16th — Short stories up to 2,200 words or up to 5 poems on the theme of “Foreign Parts”.