Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Veronique Kootstra

@vkootstra.bsky.social

89 followers 120 following 12 posts

Writer of flash fiction and short stories. Working on second novel (and looking for a home for first). Writers’ HQ Edinburgh rep.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · Nov 28

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.

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

1 7

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · 3d

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.

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · 7d

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...

Edinburgh Writers’ Retreat - Writers' HQ

No distractions. No excuses. Just writing.

writershq.co.uk

1 3

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · 9d

I didn’t know 🙈 I did mention it this morning at our online Write Along 😁. Love the prompt and @fictionalsarah.substack.com sentence…

a close up of a man 's face with his mouth open .

ALT: a close up of a man 's face with his mouth open .

media.tenor.com

2 3

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Writers’ HQ @writershq.bsky.social · 9d

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...

1 2 6

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · 9d

Chuffed to have hit the submit button with still an hour to go! @bathflashaward.bsky.social

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

The Failing Writers Podcast @failingwriters.bsky.social · 11d

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

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

5 7

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Scottish Book Trust @scottishbooktrust.bsky.social · 22d

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

3 3

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

The Portobello Bookshop @portybooks.bsky.social · 22d

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

3 6

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Inspire the Mind ✍️🧠 @inspirethemind.bsky.social · Aug 7

📣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

6 6 22

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Matt Kendrick @mattkendrick.bsky.social · Aug 10

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...

1 8 11

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · Aug 17

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...

1 2

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · Aug 10

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...

1 2

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Kit de Waal @kitdewaal.com · Jul 11

My first proper post on Substack. All about judging The Women's Prize this year.

2 11 36

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · May 26

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...

a man wearing sunglasses smiles and says " see you there "

ALT: a man wearing sunglasses smiles and says " see you there "

media.tenor.com

2 4

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · May 26

a man wearing sunglasses smiles and says " see you there "

ALT: a man wearing sunglasses smiles and says " see you there "

media.tenor.com

2 4

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · Mar 7

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

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Lynsey May @lynseymay.com · Feb 24

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...

7 5

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · Feb 16

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

Ross Maclean @rossmaclean.bsky.social · Jan 23

I’m Alan Partridge as Best Picture Nominees #Oscars2025
A thread:

4 12 16

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Anika Carpenter @stillsquirrel.bsky.social · Jan 23

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...

1 2 3

Veronique Kootstra @vkootstra.bsky.social · Jan 12

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.

Picture of writers sitting at a table working on their works in progress.

Picture of a selection of pastries and fruit.

1 4

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

National Flash Fiction Day @natflashfictionday.bsky.social · Jan 8

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

13 21

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

Kit de Waal @kitdewaal.com · Dec 18

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

Bristol Short Story Prize

bssp.blogs.bristol.ac.uk

4 99 140

Reposted by Veronique Kootstra

MatGost @matgost.bsky.social · Dec 2

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!!!

The Whispering Gallery
An Anthology of Quiet Horrors
Open call for submissions
We want your slow burners, your creeping dread, your atmospheric hauntings, your weird and your unsettling.
Mood over gore. Chills over spatter.
500-2,500 words

10 70 140