RTÉ is inviting entries to one of Ireland's longest established and most significant literary prizes, the RTÉ Short Story Competition in honour of writer and broadcaster, Francis MacManus - find out more here.
Below, returning competition judge Tristan Rosenstock offers a few tips for any budding writers thinking of taking the leap...
I know exactly what I'm looking for in a short story. It will be very obvious to me. And there’s no mistaking it. I know exactly what I’m looking for in a short story each time I encounter it.
Strong characters are essential to a story’s success. Strong characters, of course can be weak in themselves or even meek. They might be voiceless souls struggling to find a sense of self. The story’s voice will ensure we never forget them. That voice must match the character and must ring true at all times. If I begin to question the story’s voice I’m no longer lost in the writer’s web. Authenticity is of paramount importance. Get your voice right and the reader will remain with it. Whether it’s a child narrative or a veteran’s reflections, we need to utterly believe the voice that is presented to us. The plot can be surreal, supernatural or dreamlike but once we believe the story’s voice we’re all in.
All writers, of course, start out as readers. And reading the masters is the best apprenticeship. But mimicking never ends well.
With a short story the clock is ticking. Every sentence comes under a heightened sense of scrutiny. A strong opening line will leave me extremely well disposed to all that follows. But if I’m not feeling nosey after the first page I begin to feel restless. It’s unlikely this story will stay with me, regardless of how strong its ending is. I want to care about these characters. I want, above all else, to feel something. Anything. Joy, despair, pity, hope. It actually doesn’t matter. What matters is that the story made me experience a deep connection with one of the characters. That’s the story that will remain with me long after I’ve read it. The most riveting plot twist will shock me only once. But a beautifully crafted character will stay with me. As will a mood, or a tone.
The ten shortlisted stories will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio One and on the RTÉ Radio Player App and that ought to be taken into account. It’s a good idea to read your story aloud. Actually, this is always worth doing. If a sentence feels clunky, or if you find yourself tripping over two words in succession it’s your tongue’s way of telling you it needs an edit. This will also help shape the rhythm and musicality of your story.
Comórtas dátheangach is ea é seo agus cuirtear fáilte i gcónaí roimh ghearrscéalta Gaeilge. Léifear agus pléifear gach saothar a thagann chugainn.
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Listen, via RTÉ Arena: RTÉ Short Story Competition 2026 - meet the judges
All writers, of course, start out as readers. And reading the masters is the best apprenticeship. But mimicking never ends well. If a story feels familiar it’ll be quickly discarded. You can easily get lost in the fog of fandom. Commenting on the short story giants, V. S Naipaul confessed that "they didn’t take me nearer into understanding what my material was going to be. In fact they made it harder for me to have an idea of the value of my own material." Tell your own story. And tell it in an authentic way. That’s exactly what I’m looking for in a short story.
Find out more about the RTÉ Short Story Competition 2026, and how you can enter here.
About The Author: Tristan Rosenstock is a broadcaster with RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, where he presents the arts series An Cúinne Dána. His debut book for young readers Inis Mara (LeabhairCOMHAR) was selected for World Book Day 2024, and he has since added two more to the Inis Mara series. He is co-editor of Inside Innti - A new wave in Irish Poetry (Cork University Press) and is literary editor of the magazine Comhar. He performs with traditional group Téada, who are celebrating 25 years on the road. He sits on the board of Poetry Ireland.
