My fiction imprint, Corazon Books, has partnered with the Historic Houses Association to launch a special short story competition with a unique prize. We’re inviting writers to submit a short story (1,500 to 2,500 words) which is either inspired by or set in a historic house.

We are looking for a compelling tale with lots of atmosphere. It can take place in the past or present, in either a real or fictional setting, so writers can let their imaginations take them, and us, whenever and wherever they wish!

The competition is being run to celebrate the publication of The Property of a Gentleman by Catherine Gaskin. This modern classic by the bestselling “Queen of Storytellers” has recently been reissued by Corazon Books in ebook format, in time to celebrate its 40th anniversary. It is the first of Catherine Gaskin’s novels to be published digitally, under licence from her literary estate, The Society of Authors.

The Property of a Gentleman is a tale of intrigue, mystery and romance, set in a fictional earl’s ancestral home, in the dramatic landscape of England’s Lake District, so the competition’s prizes are very much in keeping with its theme. The winning writer and a guest will be treated to a private tour and afternoon tea with the owners of Levens Hall in Cumbria. The winner will also receive a cash prize of £150, and a double Friends membership for the Historic Houses Association. Two runners up will each receive a double Friends membership to the Historic Houses Association. We also plan to publish an ebook anthology of the best entries, with each writer receiving royalties for their published story.

The competition is open now and runs until September 26th 2014. The winner will be announced during National Short Story Week (17th to 23rd November 2014). There is no fee to enter the competition.

You can enter now at www.catherinegaskin.com and let other writers know about the comp on Twitter using the hashtag:  #historichouseshortstory

Good luck!

Ian Skillicorn