HISSAC Highlands and Islands Short Story Association and Writing Competition

Welcome to HISSAC

HISSAC was founded in 2004 by novelist Clio Gray, who was nominated for the International Booker in 2015, long listed for the Bailey's Prize in 2016.
www.cliogray.com

Our aim has always been to encourage new and emergent writers, and so from 2004-2022 we ran a Short Story Competition and then added a Flash Fiction Competition too.

Although we have ceased our competitions, we still run a mentorship scheme, Clio agreeing to take on three or four people a year with the aim of preparing your work for submission to agents and publishers.
Please click here to find out more.

If you don't have a local Writers' Group on your doorstep then one of the best ways to go about establishing one is to contact NAWG, the National Association of Writers Groups.


To visit their website, click here: NAWG


  • We published, in 2015, an anthology of a great many of the stories we've had entered into the Short Story Competition over the years to celebrate Ten years of HISSAC.
    What is hugely encouraging is how many of our entrants and the people who've taken part in our mentorship program have gone on to achieve such great things. So for all of you out there let me say this: never give up, keep on going, and who knows where your writing will finally lead you.

    Success Stories