Varilux Short-Story Competition

A nationwide short-story competition is set to mark the 50th anniversary of Essilor’s Limerick-made Varilux lens, which has changed how people throughout the world see that world.

Word Limit: 2,000 words
Deadline: Friday, 30 October 2009
Judge: David Rice

a well-renowned and long-established figure in Irish literary circles, and founder and director of the Killaloe Hedge-School of Writing, will select the winning entries.

They say:

we are asking people to give rein to their ideas and to craft their own stories about vision; about seeing something for the first time. This should exercise their minds.

To enter the ‘Varilux Short-Story Competition’, simply register your interest by email to varilux@essilor.ie or pick up an entry form from opticians nationwide where the Varilux Short-Story posters are on display.

Prizes
Overall winner: 1 pair VARILUX spectacles + €300 + a weekend writing workshop of choice at Killaloe Hedge-School of Writing, including overnight accommodation.
Runner-up: €200 + a weekend writing workshop of choice at Killaloe Hedge-School of Writing, including overnight accommodation.
Third place: €100 + a weekend writing workshop of choice at Killaloe Hedge-School of Writing, including overnight accommodation.

Update 20 November:
Varilux say:

Due to the large number of entries received, we have taken a little longer than planned to get through phase 1 i.e. first reading of all entries. We want to give careful consideration to the wonderful manuscripts submitted and the excellent standard displayed is making the judge's job all the harder.

We are almost ready to reduce the entries to a shortlist; we anticipate this phase to be reached by next Monday, 23 November, following which the final selection of winner and runners-up will be made.

We anticipate that an Awards reception will be held in Essilor, Raheen, Limerick on either Thursday or Friday, 10 or 11 December. If you are on the shortlist selection, we will invite you to attend this small but atmospheric reception, where the winners will be announced.