Timeless Tales V: The Letters Writing Contest

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