Lacuna Writing Competition 2026
Lacuna Writing Competition is now open
Write a short story (or the beginning of a story) on a current issue that includes themes of injustice and human rights. Your story must be no longer than 800 words and we’re not looking for an academic essay but a piece of journalism, creative writing, memoir or some other artistic expression that appeals to the general public. You choose the topic and the style. You may choose to write a journalistic feature, a piece of creative non-fiction, a short fictional story, an opinion piece or some other creative response. We are looking for potential, not perfection! Your aim is to challenge indifference to suffering, inspire action for change, promote wider understanding of complex rights issues and/or shine a light on injustice. You can find out more about Lacuna's various writing styles hereLink opens in a new window.
The best entry will receive valuable feedback from our editorsLink opens in a new window and, where feasible, the opportunity to develop their story for publication by Lacuna Magazine*Link opens in a new window.
For more information about Lacuna, visit our site, read our stories and find our writing guidelines. You can find some previous competition submissions hereLink opens in a new window. Your submission must be your own original work. It must not have been published anywhere else and cannot be submitted in any form to a university assignment. The competition is open to all current UG and PG students studying law and all UG and PG students of the Warwick Writing Programme.
Enter by completing the form below.
DEADLINE: All entries must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday 16th November 2026.
*Publication of winning entries may not always be possible and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of editors.