Join the Scary Stories Competition 2024 by Write the World. Submit your spine-chilling story by Oct 28 and stand a chance to win exciting prizes!
About the Competition
The Scary Stories Competition 2024 invites you to create a chilling story that will leave readers holding their breath. With Halloween on the horizon, there’s no better time to channel your inner storyteller and craft a spooky narrative that lingers long after the last word. And it all starts with that classic line:
“It was a dark and stormy night…”
Key Dates
- Competition Opens: Monday, October 7, 2024
- Request Expert Feedback (Optional): Monday, October 14, 2024
- Competition Closes: Monday, October 28, 2024
- Winners Announced: Friday, November 15, 2024
Guest Judge: Katherine Arden
This year Katherine Arden is the guest judge. Known for her enchanting Winternight fantasy trilogy and the spooky YA series Small Spaces, Katherine knows a thing or two about crafting eerie atmospheres and unforgettable characters. Winners will receive a copy of Small Spaces, so prepare your best work to catch her eye!
Eligibility
This competition is open to young writers ages 13 to 19.
Word Limit
Story submissions should range from 400 to 1000 words.
Prizes
- Winner: $100 and a copy of Small Spaces by Katherine Arden.
- Runner-Up and Best Peer Review: $50 each and a copy of Small Spaces.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Spooky Story
- Plot Your Plot: Make sure your story is not only scary but also engaging. Develop characters with clear motivations and craft a conflict that keeps readers invested.
- Set the Mood: Use your setting to create tension. Whether it’s a creaky old house or an isolated forest, choose details that amplify the unease.
- The Devil is in the Details: Small, vivid descriptions can make your story come alive. Think about how to make the familiar eerie—like the sound of footsteps in a quiet hallway.
- Lean Into the Suspense: Let tension build slowly, keeping your readers at the edge of their seats. A hint of danger can be just as unsettling as the threat itself.
- Dig Deeper: Avoid clichés by exploring why certain things scare you. Tapping into deep, primal fears can make your story truly haunting.
- Make Every Sentence Count: With a 1,000-word limit, every word should move the story forward or add depth. Challenge yourself to write sentences that do double duty—develop character and advance the plot.
How to Submit?
Interested participants can submit through this link.
Deadline
The deadline for submission is October 28, 2024.
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