Short Fiction Writing Challenge

2024 theme:
”Forces of nature”

Is it tremors below or storms above? Maybe it’s gravity, electromagnetism, or the dynamic people in our lives. These Forces of Nature act upon us all.

SUBMISSION
RULES + GUIDELINES

Dates and Deadlines: 

• Submissions deadline is OCTOBER 7th at 6PM CT 

• Top 5-10 Finalists will be announced TBD.

• Prize recipient will be announced at the Southern Screen Festival. 

General Guidelines: 

• This competition is sponsored by the National Writing Project of Acadiana and The Current is open to any writer 18 years of age or older. 

• Each contestant may only submit one entry for the competition. 

• All work must be original and should not be under review for any other competition or publications.

• Work must be typed in Times New Roman 12 pt. font and should be submitted as a PDF.

• A $10 entry fee will be due at the time of submission. 

• You do not need to be present at the festival to win, though attendance is strongly encouraged. 

• Top 5-10 Finalists will be invited to and receive a ticket for the event announcing the prize recipient 

  Things to Consider: 

  • Submissions should be aligned to the theme, though can be broadly interpreted.    

  • Submissions that do not adhere to the word count minimum/maximum will be disqualified. 

  • This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity! We encourage and welcome unique views, original ideas, and powerful voices!   

Submission Information: 

• The theme for this year’s challenge is “Forces of Nature”

• Submissions should be no less than 1,000 words and not exceed 1,500 words (not including title page). 

• Submissions can be in any genre but should be in the form of fiction prose (e.g., short story, flash fiction).

• The submission should include a title page with a 1-2 sentence synopsis and no identifying author information, followed by the submission. 

• Entry forms and fee must be submitted electronically at the button below.

prize recipient will receive:

• $150 cash prize

• Published in Louisiana Literature Magazine

• Story read aloud at Festival event either by the writer or by a special guest of Southern Screen. The award recipient will have the option and can participate in a Q & A following the reading. 

• A Festival Pass and Food + Drink Wristband for the remainder of the festival.

• More prizes TBA.

Questions should be directed to Dr. H. Michelle Kreamer (hmkreamer@louisiana.edu) and/or Gina Hanchey (gina.mlh@gmail.com). 

Happy writing!