About

Do you hear the rustle in the woods? The whisper of a tale half-remembered? It’s the call of the unknown, the lure of the legendary. Now’s your chance to bring those eerie encounters to life. Delve into the mysterious and the monstrous — whether it’s a cryptid lurking in the shadows, a creature of folklore come to life, or a supernatural being that defies explanation. 

The winner will receive a $200 prize reward, a free invite (plus a guest) to this year's Dark and Stormy event, and signed copies of Luciano Marano's werewolf novella trilogy, "The Ambush Moon Cycle."

Formatting Guidelines

• Word count: 2,000-word maximum.
• Font: 12 pt Times New Roman.
• Double spaced, with one-inch margins on top, bottom, left, and right (standard for most word processors).
• First line indent: Half an inch.
• Title and page number in the top right side of your header.
• Do not put your name on your submission (entries must be anonymous to ensure fair judging).
• Entries that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

* Pro Tip: Save these formatting guidelines to use as a checklist prior to submitting your work.

Rules

• Due: 11:59 PM PST Sept. 30.
• You must be 21 years or older to enter.
• Simultaneous submissions are accepted
• You can only submit your story ONCE!.

Details

• Entry is free.
• The winner will be emailed no later than Oct. 14. The announcement will be made publicly within that week.
• If you paid for the critique option, your critique will be emailed to you by Nov. 22.
• Judges: Luciano Marano and Emily Smiley.
• Critique Option: We're offering our $35 critique option again this year! Critiques will include in-line comments, a short editor’s letter, and a 30-minute Zoom call with Emily about your piece. If you’d like the critique, make sure you choose that option when you register for the contest.
• Questions? Email us at writers.contest@bainbridgebarn.org