Christmas Competition Write Fiction Books 2017

Something festive this way comes…

This year marks Write Fiction Books’ second Christmas, and we are celebrating along with the thousands of students who have joined us since we launched in April last year.

But, while we’re busy getting into the Christmas spirit, sparkling lights are casting darker shadows as the nights draw in closer… and for that reason, we are reaching out to your dark side…

Exciting News!

This Christmas, we’re delighted to announce our brand-new flash fiction competition! Perfect for putting your writing skills to the test and for showing us what you’re made of!

The winner will receive an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi E-Reader (or equivalent prize in gift vouchers) and the runner ups will be featured in a special honorary mention blog post.

Our competition opens Friday 1st December and closes Sunday 31st December. From this date, our judges will deliberate over the entries and announce the winner by 31st January 2018.

Competition Details

Your flash fiction competition entries must hold no more than 300 words, and should be based on the following prompt by the queen of creepy, Shirley Jackson:

“Am I walking toward something I should be running away from?”

Idea 1:

For many people, the festive season and Christmas is a time of celebration, giving and bringing loved ones closer together…
But what happens if what we expect is not what we actually receive… 
Consider what might be hiding behind Stephen King’s Christmas tree?

Idea 2:

New Year is usually the time of fresh starts and new beginnings…
But instead of fresh beginnings, what if a new nightmare had just begun…
Consider what unexpected guest may be lurking in the background?

Idea 3:

Snow covered trees, cold frosted air, fresh earthy smells; ‘Winter is coming’, after all…

But what if your car were to break down on your way to a party, or whilst visiting family? Perhaps you became stranded in an unknown location deep in the wilderness with no phone signal?

Tips:

Pay close attention to your:

⋅ Atmosphere and setting.
⋅ Evocative description.
⋅ Showing, not telling.
⋅ Strong narrative.



Christmas Competition Quote


“Am I walking toward something I should be running away from?”

You can interpret the competition quote in any way that you like, but you need to throw a quick, hard punch in order to capture imaginations and hold them fast (within 300 words).

Your winter, Christmas or New Year story could be a thriller, murder mystery, paranormal romance, horror comedy – whatever you like…

Your story could feature ghosts, frights, or any manner of strange and eerie goings on.

Your short fiction can be on any theme, tone or genre that you prefer, but remember that you only have 300 words to spare – use them wisely!

‘Tis the season of merriness and cheer, but that doesn’t mean our imaginations have to be quite so jolly when it comes to our writing…

Because this form of fiction is so short, you can produce evocative and attention-grabbing fiction in a single scene. We want you to draw the reader in and leave them with a twist in the tale, that will keep them wanting more.

Write Fiction Books terms and conditions

Rules:

You can be as creative as you like, so feel free to submit multiple stories that you have written. However, please don’t submit the same story multiple times!

Take a look at our full submissions guidelines below, but you can also head to the competitions page to submit your entry.

Remember: 
Closing date is 31st December 2017. Entries must contain no more than 300 words.

Writing fiction is all about tapping into our subconscious, bringing worlds that we could only ever have dreamed about to life.

This Christmas, take a look at the world around you and unleash your creativity.

We can’t wait to see what stories you come up with.

Good luck!

Submission Guidelines.

In order for your entry to be considered, it must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. The competition is open to registered students above the age of 18.

2. Students can a number of different stories, but they cannot submit the same story multiple times.

3. Entries must not exceed the specified word count.

4. All stories must be the original work of the entrant.

5. If it becomes apparent that a work has been plagiarised, the entrant and every entry they have made will be disqualified.

6. All stories must be titled and written in English.

7. Published students may enter, but their entry cannot be work that has already been published.

8. We can only accept entries made up to the deadline, but the deadline may be extended.

9. The copyright of each entry belongs to the entrant.

10. However, by entering the competition, the entrant grants Write Fiction Books the right to publish their story on their website.