Veronique Kootstra
@vkootstra.bsky.social
Writer of flash fiction and short stories. Working on second novel (and looking for a home for first). Writers’ HQ Edinburgh rep.
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Veronique Kootstra
@vkootstra.bsky.social
· Nov 28
a close up of a man 's face with a red background and a smile on his face .
ALT: a close up of a man 's face with a red background and a smile on his face .
media.tenor.com
If you think the typewriter image in my banner is a bit basic and boring, please know that it’s the actual, screen-used ‘All work and no play…’ prop from The Shining, which was exciting to see at the Kubrick exhibition at the Design Museum.
Dreich weather in Edinburgh is not stopping these amazing writers at today’s @writershq.bsky.social Retreat from getting the words down. There’s also plenty of caffeine and snacks to keep them going until 4pm.
November 9, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Dreich weather in Edinburgh is not stopping these amazing writers at today’s @writershq.bsky.social Retreat from getting the words down. There’s also plenty of caffeine and snacks to keep them going until 4pm.
The Edinburgh @writershq.bsky.social Retreat is in full swing with an amazing bunch of writers! Loving the soothing tap-tap-tap sound of fingers on keyboards.
October 12, 2025 at 10:41 AM
The Edinburgh @writershq.bsky.social Retreat is in full swing with an amazing bunch of writers! Loving the soothing tap-tap-tap sound of fingers on keyboards.
There are only two more Writers’ HQ Edinburgh Retreats left in 2025! There are a few tickets left for this Sunday or get your place for November (or come to both!). @writershq.bsky.social
writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
Edinburgh Writers’ Retreat - Writers' HQ
No distractions. No excuses. Just writing.
writershq.co.uk
October 7, 2025 at 12:30 PM
There are only two more Writers’ HQ Edinburgh Retreats left in 2025! There are a few tickets left for this Sunday or get your place for November (or come to both!). @writershq.bsky.social
writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
Looking to get your words into the world but completely overwhelmed by a billionty-hundred-squundred competitions and submission listings? WELL LOOK NO FURTHER. We have distilled a whole bunch of literary opportunities for your glorious self.
writershq.co.uk/5-competitio...
writershq.co.uk/5-competitio...
October 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Looking to get your words into the world but completely overwhelmed by a billionty-hundred-squundred competitions and submission listings? WELL LOOK NO FURTHER. We have distilled a whole bunch of literary opportunities for your glorious self.
writershq.co.uk/5-competitio...
writershq.co.uk/5-competitio...
Chuffed to have hit the submit button with still an hour to go! @bathflashaward.bsky.social
October 5, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Chuffed to have hit the submit button with still an hour to go! @bathflashaward.bsky.social
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
May I alert you to a rather joyful £500 writing competition you perhaps didn’t know you needed in your life, but in fact absolutely do…?
www.failingwriterspodcast.com
#flashfiction
www.failingwriterspodcast.com
#flashfiction
The Failing Writers Podcast - the world's bestest writing podcast ever... probably
The Failing Writers Podcast is a writing podcast for everyone who has ever wanted to write a book... then put the kettle on instead.
www.failingwriterspodcast.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:13 PM
May I alert you to a rather joyful £500 writing competition you perhaps didn’t know you needed in your life, but in fact absolutely do…?
www.failingwriterspodcast.com
#flashfiction
www.failingwriterspodcast.com
#flashfiction
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
There are only 24hrs left until the deadline klaxon sounds for our New Writers Awards 2026. Get in touch with any questions or queries you might have! ✒️
Apply for the New Writers Awards
Applications for the New Writers Awards are now open!
www.scottishbooktrust.com
September 23, 2025 at 10:45 AM
There are only 24hrs left until the deadline klaxon sounds for our New Writers Awards 2026. Get in touch with any questions or queries you might have! ✒️
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
Portobello Book Festival begins at the end of next week, running from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October! 📚🥳
We’ll be along at Portobello Library with a book stall and you can check out the festival’s programme here: portobellobookfestival.com/2025/09/05/t...
@portybookfest.bsky.social
We’ll be along at Portobello Library with a book stall and you can check out the festival’s programme here: portobellobookfestival.com/2025/09/05/t...
@portybookfest.bsky.social
September 22, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Portobello Book Festival begins at the end of next week, running from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October! 📚🥳
We’ll be along at Portobello Library with a book stall and you can check out the festival’s programme here: portobellobookfestival.com/2025/09/05/t...
@portybookfest.bsky.social
We’ll be along at Portobello Library with a book stall and you can check out the festival’s programme here: portobellobookfestival.com/2025/09/05/t...
@portybookfest.bsky.social
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
📣ANNOUNCEMENT:
We are currently accepting #ShortStory pitches for our digital magazine. Please note that the pitch should indicate that the story includes an aspect of #MentalHealth.
Submit a pitch via the form on our homepage.
#JournoRequest
inspirethemind.org
We are currently accepting #ShortStory pitches for our digital magazine. Please note that the pitch should indicate that the story includes an aspect of #MentalHealth.
Submit a pitch via the form on our homepage.
#JournoRequest
inspirethemind.org
August 7, 2025 at 10:21 AM
📣ANNOUNCEMENT:
We are currently accepting #ShortStory pitches for our digital magazine. Please note that the pitch should indicate that the story includes an aspect of #MentalHealth.
Submit a pitch via the form on our homepage.
#JournoRequest
inspirethemind.org
We are currently accepting #ShortStory pitches for our digital magazine. Please note that the pitch should indicate that the story includes an aspect of #MentalHealth.
Submit a pitch via the form on our homepage.
#JournoRequest
inspirethemind.org
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
Also, very lacking in editing work (and this always makes me happy!) so if you're got a piece of flash or a short story you'd like me to look at, I'll give you 10% off if you get in touch by the end of the day:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/short-fictio...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/short-fictio...
August 10, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Also, very lacking in editing work (and this always makes me happy!) so if you're got a piece of flash or a short story you'd like me to look at, I'll give you 10% off if you get in touch by the end of the day:
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/short-fictio...
www.mattkendrick.co.uk/short-fictio...
The Edinburgh @writershq.bsky.social Retreat is in full swing! As always, an amazing bunch of writers. Just had lunch in the lovely garden at Tribe Porty. If fancy a day of writing, along with caffeine, snacks and lunch, you can get your ticket for next month here: writershq.co.uk/edinburgh-wr...
August 17, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The Edinburgh @writershq.bsky.social Retreat is in full swing! As always, an amazing bunch of writers. Just had lunch in the lovely garden at Tribe Porty. If fancy a day of writing, along with caffeine, snacks and lunch, you can get your ticket for next month here: writershq.co.uk/edinburgh-wr...
If you want to escape the Fringe for a day to focus on your own creative musings and write, there are still a few spaces left at this Sunday’s Writers’ HQ retreat at Tribe Porty. Book your ticket here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
August 10, 2025 at 7:49 PM
If you want to escape the Fringe for a day to focus on your own creative musings and write, there are still a few spaces left at this Sunday’s Writers’ HQ retreat at Tribe Porty. Book your ticket here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
My first proper post on Substack. All about judging The Women's Prize this year.
July 11, 2025 at 8:06 AM
My first proper post on Substack. All about judging The Women's Prize this year.
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
The next @writershq.bsky.social Edinburgh Retreat is this Sunday! What better way to kick off June with a day of uninterrupted writing.
There will be plenty of caffeine, snacks and lunch is provided too. Book your place here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
There will be plenty of caffeine, snacks and lunch is provided too. Book your place here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
a man wearing sunglasses smiles and says " see you there "
ALT: a man wearing sunglasses smiles and says " see you there "
media.tenor.com
May 26, 2025 at 10:58 AM
The next @writershq.bsky.social Edinburgh Retreat is this Sunday! What better way to kick off June with a day of uninterrupted writing.
There will be plenty of caffeine, snacks and lunch is provided too. Book your place here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
There will be plenty of caffeine, snacks and lunch is provided too. Book your place here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
The next @writershq.bsky.social Edinburgh Retreat is this Sunday! What better way to kick off June with a day of uninterrupted writing.
There will be plenty of caffeine, snacks and lunch is provided too. Book your place here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
There will be plenty of caffeine, snacks and lunch is provided too. Book your place here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
a man wearing sunglasses smiles and says " see you there "
ALT: a man wearing sunglasses smiles and says " see you there "
media.tenor.com
May 26, 2025 at 10:58 AM
The next @writershq.bsky.social Edinburgh Retreat is this Sunday! What better way to kick off June with a day of uninterrupted writing.
There will be plenty of caffeine, snacks and lunch is provided too. Book your place here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
There will be plenty of caffeine, snacks and lunch is provided too. Book your place here: writershq.co.uk/whq-event/ed...
Busy couple of cultural weeks with music as a through-line:
A film by a musician.
Music by a musician.
A stage musical based on a film.
Ceramics by a musician.
#jackwhite #glasgowfilmfestival #nickcave #wildrose
A film by a musician.
Music by a musician.
A stage musical based on a film.
Ceramics by a musician.
#jackwhite #glasgowfilmfestival #nickcave #wildrose
March 7, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Busy couple of cultural weeks with music as a through-line:
A film by a musician.
Music by a musician.
A stage musical based on a film.
Ceramics by a musician.
#jackwhite #glasgowfilmfestival #nickcave #wildrose
A film by a musician.
Music by a musician.
A stage musical based on a film.
Ceramics by a musician.
#jackwhite #glasgowfilmfestival #nickcave #wildrose
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
The deadline for filling out the Government consultation on AI and copyright is 25 Feb. I very much recommend! It's kind of intimidating at first glance, but @alcs-uk.bsky.social have created a handy guide & you don't have to fill in every question! ipoconsultations.citizenspace.com/ipo/consulta...
February 24, 2025 at 10:16 AM
The deadline for filling out the Government consultation on AI and copyright is 25 Feb. I very much recommend! It's kind of intimidating at first glance, but @alcs-uk.bsky.social have created a handy guide & you don't have to fill in every question! ipoconsultations.citizenspace.com/ipo/consulta...
Wonderful bunch of writers at today’s Edinburgh @writershq.bsky.social Retreat. It’s gone very quiet except for the soothing tap-tap-tap sound as everyone is busy working on their projects.
February 16, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Wonderful bunch of writers at today’s Edinburgh @writershq.bsky.social Retreat. It’s gone very quiet except for the soothing tap-tap-tap sound as everyone is busy working on their projects.
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
I’m Alan Partridge as Best Picture Nominees #Oscars2025
A thread:
A thread:
January 23, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I’m Alan Partridge as Best Picture Nominees #Oscars2025
A thread:
A thread:
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
Some brilliant writerly folk have signed up for Sunday's Art & Flash, a repeat of Mon's session. Come join us if you can. There will be a badass chef, floating heads, and an uncanny garden, all for your delectation and inspiration. #ekphrastic #writingworkshop
www.anikacarpenter.com/ekphrastic-w...
www.anikacarpenter.com/ekphrastic-w...
January 23, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Some brilliant writerly folk have signed up for Sunday's Art & Flash, a repeat of Mon's session. Come join us if you can. There will be a badass chef, floating heads, and an uncanny garden, all for your delectation and inspiration. #ekphrastic #writingworkshop
www.anikacarpenter.com/ekphrastic-w...
www.anikacarpenter.com/ekphrastic-w...
Amazing group of writers at the first Edinburgh @writershq.bsky.social retreat of 2025! Projects discussed, goals set and plenty of caffeine and snacks to keep us going until lunch.
January 12, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Amazing group of writers at the first Edinburgh @writershq.bsky.social retreat of 2025! Projects discussed, goals set and plenty of caffeine and snacks to keep us going until lunch.
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
For those of you who may have a micro or two going spare, don’t forget that our micro comp is open till the 15 Feb: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/co...
Yibo Wangyibo GIF
ALT: Yibo Wangyibo GIF
media.tenor.com
January 8, 2025 at 4:50 PM
For those of you who may have a micro or two going spare, don’t forget that our micro comp is open till the 15 Feb: www.nationalflashfictionday.co.uk/index.php/co...
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
Bristol Short Story Prize now open for stories of up to 4000 words, judged by prize-winning novelists and a literary agent. Also winning stories published.
Link below
Please share.
bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk
Link below
Please share.
bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk
Bristol Short Story Prize
bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk
December 18, 2024 at 6:36 PM
Bristol Short Story Prize now open for stories of up to 4000 words, judged by prize-winning novelists and a literary agent. Also winning stories published.
Link below
Please share.
bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk
Link below
Please share.
bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk
Reposted by Veronique Kootstra
Earlier this year, I floated the idea of editing a "Quiet Horror" anthology.
People seemed to love the idea. Well, it's happening...
We open for submissions in the new year. I can't wait to read your stories.
More details:
matgost.substack.com/p/submission...
Please share far and wide!!!
People seemed to love the idea. Well, it's happening...
We open for submissions in the new year. I can't wait to read your stories.
More details:
matgost.substack.com/p/submission...
Please share far and wide!!!
December 2, 2024 at 9:02 AM
Earlier this year, I floated the idea of editing a "Quiet Horror" anthology.
People seemed to love the idea. Well, it's happening...
We open for submissions in the new year. I can't wait to read your stories.
More details:
matgost.substack.com/p/submission...
Please share far and wide!!!
People seemed to love the idea. Well, it's happening...
We open for submissions in the new year. I can't wait to read your stories.
More details:
matgost.substack.com/p/submission...
Please share far and wide!!!