Base your story on one of the following prompts:
#1
‘The girls played a bad trick on Lawrence last night.’
From the personal journal of Emily (Millie) Beynon, December 22, 1881
#2
‘I have not altogether recovered from the effects of what transpired last Tuesday evening but then I suppose there’s no help for me.’
From the personal journal of Tom Beynon, June 12, 1875
#3
‘I have started writing you too (two) or three times and something always prevented me.’
Letter from Merelda Campbell to May, on May 3, 1917.
#4
‘I mean what I say and I hope you will pay no attention to what parties are saying about me as I never said anything of what they say.’
Letter from Joseph Hollingshead to unknown person, May 3, 1869.
#5
‘We have had no rain and it was 110 or 15 in the shade, nothing can stand that heat – no grass, no feed, in site, nothing but drought so please right (write) and let me know what to do.’
Letter from Walter to his sister, July 22, 1933
The Contest Rules:
Writers may compose letters (epistolary writing) in response to the prompts, or write formal prose, or a combination of both, or journal entries. Creative fiction only, no essays, no footnotes. Prized stories are rewarded for focus on the chosen prompt, have a catchy beginning, a strong plot with compelling characters who face challenges and conflicts, and are written in a unique voice and viewpoint. Elements of style count: correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. All stories are eligible for publication in the anthology, space permitting. (Judges decisions will be announced mid-June).
Questions? Dorita Peer, Editor doritapeer@bell.net
- Contest opens to entries March 31 and must be received by May 31st midnight
- Entries welcome from residents of King, Peel or Simcoe Regions.
- No entry fee required. A short critique is available for $20 if desired.
- All original work only. AI stories will be disqualified
- Word Count: Max 1,500
- Submission Format: WORD or PDF (editable for proofing for the anthology).
- Font: Times New Roman 12
- Double-spaced and aligned left.
- Stories must have:
- The Prompt # and the Title of the story on each page.
- The writer’s name may not appear on any page.
- Pages numbered at the top. Example: Page 1 of 3, Page 2 of 3, etc
Submit Your Entry Here
Completed PDF entry forms may be emailed with your story attached to doritapeer@bell.net