SHORT STORY CONTEST DEADLINE EXTENDED

Hurricane Harvey did a number on Houston this year. If you're in the Houston area, I hope that you stayed safe and dry with minimal property damage. Due to the storm, we're extended the deadline for our contest. We want to make sure that if you have a story you'd like to submit that you have time to get it in.

Be safe and blessed.

Short Story FAQs

Hello, everyone! Our contest deadline is coming up next week. August 31st at midnight central time.

If you're in the Houston area, you aren't going to be doing anything this weekend anyway except trying to stay dry. Perfect time to write a story for our Storming the Short Story contest. (There's a reason why it was named that way - to coincide with hurricane season.)

I've had a couple of questions about story formatting.

1. How do I format the header to get the page number up there?

If you open the header, you type in the Title/Genre and then use Insert Page # (choose right) and it will place it in the correct position.

2. How far is 1/3 down the first page?

This doesn't need to be exact. Just press enter until the story starts roughly 1/3 from the top of the page. (I think I hit return 6 times when I'm double spaced).

3. What format does the title page need to be?

We didn't specify, so it's probably safe to use the same format as the rest of the document. However, if you decided to do something fancy, that's fine too. You won't be judged on the formatting of the title page.

4. Is it okay if I get my story critiqued before I enter it, or do I need to do it all on my own?

Yes, please do! Having others read and comment on your stories, even if it's just to check for typos, always makes our stories better!

To help, and as a thank you for reading this far, you can download a Word .doc or .docx template we created help you with the formatting. I realize not all of us are computer tech wizards, and worrying about formatting isn't as important as worrying about your story! Story is king. So here you go!

Google Drive link to .docx template

Google Drive link to .doc template

August Short Story News

Originating in 2013 with ACFW The Woodlands Chapter (Writers on the Storm), we have offered a themed short story contest every year except 2016. This year is no exception.

Why do we do this?

1. For the story. 

I love stories and since I have become an author, I find that I especially love short stories. It amazes me how people are able to tell a whole story in so few words. Writing short fiction has made me better at the craft of storytelling.

2. For the authors.

There is nothing better than walking someone through their first publishing credit. They're excited, and you're excited for them. Unlike many writing contests that only offer feedback on the first few pages of a full-length WIP, the prize of our contest is publication. How cool is that?

3. For ACFW.

I wouldn't be the writer I am today without ACFW. The members welcomed me with open arms, answered my silly questions, and connected me my critique group. Getting together monthly with my local chapter is one of my favorite things to do. It puts energy back into my writing and holds me accountable. To be able to give back to this writing community by contributing to the scholarship fund is the primary purpose of this contest.

4. For The Author.

Our Heavenly Father gifted us with the ability to communicate with words on a page. Not only that, He blessed us with the desire to tell stories. It seems right for us to offer stories that are inspired by His Word.

Our short story contest closes at the end of the month (August 31st). Why not write a story up to 6000 words (no minimum) for our contest? Worst case scenario, you have a short story in your pocket for a rainy day. Best case scenario, your fiction my bless someone.

See our Short Story Contest page for details.

MORE NEWS:

• Come to our meeting next Saturday (August 12th at 2 pm) to get feedback on your short story! Don't worry if you haven't started writing yet, we'll help you brainstorm or whatever you need. Meeting details on our Events page.

• Finally, contest winners will be announced at the second annual Bayou City Christian Writers Conference on October 21, 2017. Check out the Writers on the Storm blog for details and to register. I'm going. Who's with me?