Member-Sponsored Masquerade Noir Contest

Details

Deadline:Nov 3, 2013
Fee:Free

A mask tells us more than a face. — Oscar Wilde

All falsehood is a mask. — Alexander Dumas

It’s October and that means Halloween. But we’re not looking for a pure horror story. No supernatural or paranormal. We want crime. We’re looking for an October crime story that features a mask. You can interpret the mask as loosely or narrowly as you want, as long as it hides identity in some way.

Crime fiction is about transgression. Someone does something that is not allowed. The world is in disorder. What leads up to it, what happens after? Does reason prevail, or fate? As Raymond Chandler once asked, does “the smell of fear” linger?

Crime fiction is about character. The criminal, the victim, the investigator, the network of relationships surrounding them, the society at large. Somewhere in that spectrum is your story.

Crime fiction is about motive and identity. They are often linked. Identity—that’s what the detective is seeking. Identity—that’s what the criminal hides. The mask conceals identity, but the choice of the mask may also reveal. It is both an escape and an expression. The mask transforms and gives power. The mask contains a secret.

The Masquerade Noir contest is about three things: October, crime, and a mask. Four things if you count the smell of fear. Style, tone and technique are up to you.

Note: If there are additional karma points available, judges may optionally award a 4th prize TBD.)

Winning entries

Winners have been announced! Log in to see them.

Prizes

1st prize:45 karma points
2nd prize:30 karma points
3rd prize:20 karma points

Rules

  • Your story must take place in October, there must be a crime (loosely defined) and a mask (figurative or literal).

  • Your entry must be a story of no more than 3000 words as counted by Scribophile.

  • Entries must be received by midnight, November 3rd, 2013 (UTC time).

  • Entries will be judged by a select panel of Scribophile members. Decisions are final.

  • Only one entry per member is allowed. In the case of multiple entries, only the first posted entry will be considered.

  • Work must have Public visibility on Scribophile until winners are announced.

Submission guidelines

  • To enter the contest, post your work on Scribophile and check the box that says “Enter the work into the Member-Sponsored Masquerade Noir Contest.” Your work will automatically be considered. The checkbox will be visible until the contest deadline, which is in UTC time.

  • Entry is free, but you’ll need the standard 5 karma points to post your story.