How did it get to be Christmas time? So many things still undone and the days so short! Never mind, they are going to get longer again now–time to look ahead to what 2020 might bring.
It seems a lot of theatre companies agree with me, because there are some excellent opportunities coming up for playwrights. In addition to the BBC's annual call-out for dramas, which can be for stage, radio, film or television, which ends on 6th January (https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/send-a-script), there are several competitions to enter.
Shakespeare in the 'Burg has a one-act play contest for scripts up to 30 minutes long and with no more than three characters in any genre, closing on 14th January 2020. Three entries will receive $550. Visit https://www.shakespeareintheburg.com/one-act-play. Drip Action Theatre Playwriters Competition 2020 is for 30-40 minutes plays for up to five actors that are easy to stage. There are seven prizes of £200, plus another £250 for the play judged the best.The closing date is 31st January 2020, and entries are via snailmail only, so don't leave it until the last minute to send yours. Details are at http://www.dripaction.com/writers-competition. Full-length plays running for a minimum of one hour are needed for the Papatango competition closing on 2nd February 2020. The rewards if your play is chosen are excellent, with royalties of 8% of the net box office and a £6,500 commission for your next play. Find out more at http://papatango.co.uk/entry-requirements. Women who are resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland can enter full-length plays with any size cast or subject in the Women's Prize for Playwriting which closes on 2nd March 2020. The first prize is £12,000 and details are at https://painesplough.com/play/womens-prize-playwriting.
All the above are free, so once you've digested your Christmas pudding, get writing!

On another note: as this is the time for giving, readers will be able to download Discord's Child, Discord's Apprentice and Artists and Liars FREE in the Smashwords End of Year Sale from 25th December to the end of 1st January at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ksdearsley. Really, this is my present to myself because I love it when people choose my books. Enjoy! Wishing you all peace and happiness in 2020.