Entering a piece of writing into a competition can galvanise a writer. Without a deadline procrastination or dithering with detail can prevent a writer completing a piece of work and putting it forward to be read. The purpose for most writers to present material to a reader. There is nothing so glorious that to have a reader comment with enthusiasm and respond favourably to a piece of writing. It is even great to have a critical comment as that also proves the writing was worth the candle.
Keep an eye out for competitions. Complete a piece of work and make sure you make that deadline. There may be a cost to entering; to having your work considered for publication may involve a writer sending money as well and that is a different story and involves different considerations.
Here are two competitions offered in The Oldie for which there is no charge. Send your entry for the Jeremy Lewis Prize: 400 words which you recount a memory in which the events you describe took place. Send it by the 31st October to the following email address: publisher@theoldie.co.uk
Write a poem, maximum 16 lines, on the topic Shoulder to Should. This entry, which must be entered by 15th October, is to be sent to the following email address: comps.theoldie.co.uk