Group-Sponsored A Very Merry Mystery: The Christmas Crime Contest
Details
| Deadline: | December 20 (13 days left) |
| Fee: | Free |
The Champions of Publication group and its Judges are excited to read your entries.
Writers must submit an original short story of up to 1,000 words.
Entries must follow this original brief in full: Write a story in the season of Christmas whereupon a Crime is committed.
The crime, the investigation, and the outcome are entirely up to you, and creative interpretations are encouraged. Character development, show v tell and visceral content are most welcome inclusions.
The crime must take place during the Christmas Holiday Season.
There must be a clear trail of investigation and outcome in the narrative.
At least part or all of the story must take place in a library, because we’re writers—what better place for nefarious intentions to play out?
The crime must remain lighter in tone—a mix-up, a missing or stolen item or moment, a misunderstood action, or another situation that creates a puzzle without causing murderous, dark undertones.
The contest does not accept horror, gore, graphic violence, or disturbing themes.
All genres except horror are welcome, provided the story stays suitable for a general audience.
Prize money for this contest is provided by the Scribophile Writing Contest Prize Fund.
Prizes
| 1st prize: | $100 cash via PayPal |
| 2nd prize: | $75 cash via PayPal |
| 3rd prize: | $50 cash via PayPal |
| 4th prize: | 20 karma points |
| 5th prize: | 10 karma points |
Rules
Entries must be no longer than 1,000 words per Scribophile’s count.
No novel chapters.
Work submitted must not have been previously won or placed in any other contest.
No previously published stories.
Only one entry per member.
Entries must have Public visibility on Scribophile until winners are announced.
You may post your work, receive critiques and edit until the deadline.
Submission guidelines
Entry is free, but you’ll need karma points to post your work to the contest. You can earn karma points by writing critiques of work posted to Scribophile.
To post your work for this contest, check the box that says, “Enter this work into the Group-Sponsored A Very Merry Mystery: The Christmas Crime Contest.” Your work will automatically be considered. The check box will be visible until the contest deadline, which is in UTC time.