 
In my brief time here, I've come to really enjoy writing.com: the people, the stories, the contests, and the kind reviewers. However, I have really been missing out on some good short science fiction and an incentive to get involved with a community of writers who also enjoy it. To the end of inspiring both, I've decided to host a Science Fiction Short Story Contest.
The rules are simple:
Write a short story inspired by the prompt that is of less than 2000 words.
I will pay 15,000 (updated) Gift Points for the best submissions and an awardicon (as per recent request - I'm open to discussion about adjusting the prize).
Post in the forum with BITEM only (check out "Newbie Hyperlinking 101 - Bitem Format"  [E]).
I will judge entries starting on the 1st of each month, and provide (hopefully) thoughtful reviews for all submissions.
May the best sentient being win!
Contest Reopened for October:
James slept fitfully and woke early, still troubled by dreams he could no longer recall. He sat slowly in his bed and cleared his throat. It was a little scratchy and his chest felt heavy too: he hoped he wasn't coming down with a cold, but that would suit the weather to a T. Clothes, a shower, and coffee improved his mood, but only a little: something bothered him, though he failed to put his finger on it.
Brow furrowed, James made his way to his car with his head tilted slightly downward, and that's when he saw them. Mushrooms surrounded his driveway, each at least a foot high, and they spread outward for dozens of meters into the yard. He took a deep breath in surprise and irritation - his lawn was his pride and joy - and found himself coughing it out almost as quickly. He must be allergic to the damned mushroom spores! Well, he had some fungicide he could use. Holding his shirt over his mouth, he retreated to his garage door, screwed the spray bottle to his hose, and turned on the water. In fifteen minutes' time, he'd soaked half the yard in the stuff. Satisfied, he replaced the bottle on its shelf and was on his way to work at the hardware store.
Ten long hours later, James arrived back at his driveway, ready for a glass of wine and a bowl full of takeout Chinese. His jaw dropped: the mushrooms were still there, but there were three times and many, each three times as high as they were this morning. That was when the drone of the news on the radio made its way into his attention, "Yes, we still don't know what they really are, but the mushrooms are toxic as hell and spreading fast. Poison doesn't work, and even fire just seems to spread the spores faster. The department of agriculture is still looking into it, but anyone who sees these mushrooms is advised to avoid them at all costs, and report them immediately. If you're exposed, seek medical help immediately - these things grow anywhere, even in the human body."
James just sat there, staring at the radio, as the interviewer replied, "And how should citizens report these mushrooms?"
"The CDC and the department of argiculture have each set up a website..."
The prompt for October is fungus! Whether harmless-looking little mushrooms or the parasite spores, bring your stories about fungus - and have them ready for Halloween!
The prompt for September was "Harvest"! In honor of the upcoming changing of the seasons, I'd like to dedicate this edition of the contest to those gathering tomatoes, corn, apples, pumpkins, schmeat - or perhaps something far darker in import.
"A Lost Harvest" [13+]
September Entries
| |  | Entrance Fee (13+)
Azura is in charge of the seed that will gain humans a place at the Conference of Worlds.
#2233265 by Satmetery   |
August Entry
July Winner!
July Entries: Radiation Edition
"Climate Refugees" [18+]
"Sunburnt" [E]
Judging ▼
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and good fiction means different things to different people. Therefore, it's only fair to explain what good science fiction means from the perspective of the contest.
First, science fiction is fiction, with all the elements of fiction. It should have compelling characters, who act and drive events - or witness them. In speculative fiction, the characters may be human beings, animals, robots, civilizations, or entire worlds. Characters provide perspective and connect written events to our own feelings and experiences. Good fiction uses real and expressive characters to connect speculative ideas to us, the readers.
Characters in a story experience change. They do not exit a work as they begin. Sometimes that change is a struggle, and sometimes a moment of beauty. In science fiction, the agents that cause this change are those we experience daily - but also forces too strange or too large for us to encounter in our own lives. Science fiction is speculative fiction, the story of how a new technology or circumstance that is actually possible might play out in our own lives if let in. Sometimes, science fiction incorporates elements of the fantastic, but the best science fiction does not. It does not cheat but tells us what might be possible somewhere, somewhen, that might move us, that we might learn from.
Therefore, in judging a science fiction contest, I am looking for:
1. Expressive and readable writing, with passable grammar.
2. A plot. There should be a progression or conflict that is resolved within the length of the story. Ambiguous or implied resolutions may work but should be considered a risk.
3. Meaningful characters. It is through empathy with groups or individuals that we are connected to ideas in speculative fiction, and it's through seeing their effect on people that we best understand them.
4. An interesting speculative premise - time travel, new technology, aliens, new physics, robots, AI, genetic engineering, monsters, etc.
5. An interesting setting
6. Science. In science fiction, it's best if the speculative premise is actually possible, and even better if there is some scientific support for the possibility
That said, many of the stories I've enjoyed the most or learned the most from have been surprises. I've enjoyed the contest entries so far, and am looking forward to great things to come!
Donations:
48K GPs: Jeffhans  -- Thanks for your support!
10K GPs + banner sponsorship: eyestar~  -- Thanks so much for the support and for linking me up with a E Weatherwax is bizzzie  . The banner is awesome!
50K GPs - Trick-r-Trinketing Sum1  -- Thank you to a sci-fi fan!
385K GPs - Anonymous. Thanks so much for supporting the contest!
50K GPS - Bob's Skull Sweat  Thank you so much for supporting the continuation of the contest!
50K GPS - D. Reed Whittaker Thanks so much for your donation!
10K GPS - Kellie Burke  Thanks for your support!
15K+ GPS - brokenpen Thanks so much!
50K GPS - Nix~🎀 9 years of WdC joy~  I much appreciate the support!
(Current Sci-FI Contest account: ~470K, so good for some time - will consider upping the prize next month)
Contest Archives ▼
June Winner (Hope Edition):
| | | Haven (18+)
A man travels to an island in a post-apocalyptic world.
#2225280 by BrokenPen |
June Entries:
" A tree grows in Mali" [ E]
" Haven" [ 18+]
" OHO - The Great HOPE" [ E]
May Winner:
May Entries (We Make Great Pets Edition):
" SPAQUAR" [ E]
" Into The Blue" [ 13+]
" Arbiters" [ 13+]
April Winner!
| | Glint (13+)
When Bridget sees an opportunity to help her ailing friends, she takes it.
#2220725 by Bilal Latif |
April Entries (Social Distancing Edition):
" No One Lives There" [ E]
" Alone together. " [ E]
" Glint" [ 13+]
March Entries (Future Inequality Edition):
February Winner
February 2020 Entries (Transhumanism Edition):
" Moral Imperative" [ 13+]
" The Protector" [ 13+]
" PITON" [ 13+]
The Science Fiction Short Story Contest was participating in Schnujo's Contest Challenge for January. If you have a moment, go ahead and take a gander, and consider jumping in:
Announcing the January winner!
This month the competition was especially fierce, but I also wanted to highlight two runners-up, both great reads:
Thanks so much for the response this month!
January 2020 Entries
" Ruby Clock and the time warp" [ E]
" Your Life in Images" [ 18+]
" Bench, Brenda Bench" [ E]
" Detecting the Detective" [ ASR]
" Vegas Skin" [ 18+]
" My Old House" [ E]
" Invalid Item"
" The Arabella Complication" [ 18+]
" The Human Element" [ 18+]
" Traitor" [ 13+]
" The Last Mission" [ 13+]
December Winner:
December Entries:
" Holiday" [ E]
" In Plain Sight" [ 13+]
November Winner
November Entries
" Q and A" [ E]
" Talking Turkey" [ 13+]
October Winner:
A truly chilling winner:
An exceptionally haunting runner-up:
| | | Harvest (18+)
Ignorance is bliss for farmers on a remote base controlled by the mysterious Keepers.
#2202762 by BrokenPen |
October Entries (Halloween Edition):
" Invalid Item"
" Harvest" [ 18+]
" Proxy" [ 18+]
" Invalid Item"
September Winner!
I normally list runners-up, but I'd have to list almost everyone this time. Thank you for a really enjoyable round of entries. I recommend passers-by check them all out.
September Entries (First Encounters):
"Invalid Item"
"The Fourth Child" [E]
"Signs of Intelligence" [13+]
"Invalid Item"
"Grandpa's First Contact" [E]
August Winner!
August Entries
"Evolution" [E]
"Imaginary planetary ride" [E]
"The Return" [E]
July Winner!
For its depiction of the interplay of the appearance of "care" with callousness:
| | The Alien (GC)
Greg is terrified and trying to escape to a safer planet, but can he make it out alive?
#2196318 by MjoShmo |
Runners up:
A truly creative and descriptive peace about night and day in a strange world:
He may have run into her car, but when science and magic meet, he'll never know what hit him:
July Entries:
"Kiss It Off" [18+]
"A Day In The Life" [13+]
"Invalid Item"
"The Alien" [GC]
"When Two Worlds Clashed" [E]
"Invalid Item"
June Entry:
Since there's only one entry, there's no contest per se., but enjoy the read!
May Winner!
May Entries:
"Repelling The Invaders" [13+]
"When The Inevitable Happens" [13+]
"A Mind for Sale" [18+]
"Last Shot" [13+]
April Winner:
This entry in the contest made time travel new again:
A strong runner-up illustrating the peril of a reckless mind:
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2189272 by Not Available. |
April Entries:
"Invalid Item"
"Invalid Item"
"Foresight" [13+]
March Winner:
Congratulations to this exciting and imaginitive piece!
March Entries:
"The Spiter War" [13+]
"Invalid Item"
For reference:
"Samantha" [ASR]
February Winner!
Runner-up: | | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2182955 by Not Available. |
February Entries (Judging in progress)
"Honor among thieves" [18+]
"Invalid Item"
"Invalid Item"
"Space Wolves" [18+]
"The Star Rovers: Cutting it Close" [E]
January Winner!
January Entries
"The Space Station: Sparta" [E]
"Ship Of Fate" [E]
December Winner!
This imaginative and detailed hard sci-fi piece was cold and yet creepy:
This runner-up was even more colorful and dark as December:
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2178406 by Not Available. |
December Entries:
"Ghost in the Machine" [18+]
"The HealX" [18+]
"Invalid Item"
November Winners:
Judging was especially difficult this month, and I'm left with the feeling I've left some really good writing under-rewarded. Still, I've awarded two winners this time around:
For its evocative concept and juxtaposition of emotions:
For its lovely humanization of the Robots:
With a strong Runner-Up:
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2173991 by Not Available. |
November Entries:
"Robotics and the Future" [E]
"Invalid Item"
"I, Man" [18+]
"A Death in the House" [13+]
"Franklin" [E]
"Invalid Item"
"The Gamble" [E]
"Henry the Eighth." [18+]
I can't enter my own contest, but if you want to see an example of where my own mind went, you can have a gander:
October Winner:
All three entries were very good, and the judging was difficult, but in the end, I found this combination of fantasy, science fiction, and story-telling edged out the win:
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2172603 by Not Available. |
October Entries:
"Invalid Item"
"The Carbon Farmer" [E]
"Invalid Item"
September Winners!
With its clever dialogue, original concept, and fun and quirky style, Genipher's entry took the contest:
Runners-up:
This rather Whovian piece captures my imagination:
"Invalid Item"
Even in the far future, there are strange creatures and unexplored frontiers:
"The World of Regan" [E]
September Entries:
"Invalid Item"
"The Takeover" [13+]
"The World of Regan" [E]
"Invalid Item"
"Invalid Item"
"The Interpreter " [18+]
August Winners:
Lovely and campy, this was just what the prompt asked for:
A wonderful story about growing up and moving beyond makes a good runner-up:
August Entries:
"Magic Beyond the Mountain" [13+]
"Invalid Item"
"Invalid Item"
"Man’s Last Hope" [13+]
July Winner(s) 2018
Strange at first read, this one won me over with its creativity and feel:
Runners Up:
Leave something behind?
Or perhaps, nothing at all?
July Entries 2018:
"The final frontier" [ASR]
"The Capella Star System Run " [18+]
"A Stitch In Time" [13+]
"Mystery From the Past" [E]
"Test Run" [13+]
June Entry and Winner 2018:
| | Survival (13+)
A spaceship's mission to a distant world threaten's the crew's survival
#2160722 by BrokenPen |
May Winner 2018:
These seem to be getting harder and harder to judge, but this entry spoke to me, especially the ending:
Runners Up:
This had a lively tone and feel:
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2158262 by Not Available. |
This rather disturbing partnership is surely memorable:
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2158382 by Not Available. |
And this shouldn't be missed, by virtue of sheer cuteness if nothing else:
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2159699 by Not Available. |
May Entries:
"Substitute Teacher" [E]
"Invalid Item"
"Invalid Item"
"Invalid Item"
"The Implant" [E]
"Invalid Item"
"The Homemaker's Helper" [18+]
April Winner 2018
There were some dark, powerful entries this month, but this gritty and coherent piece took the prize:
| | Matilda (18+)
Scavenging the wasteland, Max and Spell stumble into the territory of a fearsome cult.
#2155953 by James Heyward |
April Entries
"The Hill" [E]
"The Threat" [13+]
"Matilda" [18+]
March Winner 2018
As usual, judging was difficult, and all three entries were clever, creative, and well-written. Still, this piece edged out the win:
March Entries
"Invalid Item"
"Invalid Item"
"Man's Best Friend" [13+]
February Winner 2018
Thanks for all the entries. All were excellent, making this a tough choice to make. Still, this story won me over with its roguish charm:
Runners Up:
This one is too fun to miss:
And another well-deserved example of comeuppance: | | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2148593 by Not Available. |
February Entries:
"The Transnian Contract" [13+]
"The finest little ship in the cluster" [13+]
"Invalid Item"
"Invalid Item"
"One Man's Junk" [13+]
"Invalid Item"
January winner 2018:
While both entries were evocative, this piece on time travel edged out the win:
January Entries:
"Invalid Item"
"Déjà Vu" [13+]
December Winner 2017:
All entries were a joy to read. However, I don't want to burn through those GPs too quickly! In recognition of its excellent use of the prompt, solid writing, and compelling setting, I'm going to award the December prize to:
"Invalid Item"
Honorable Mentions:
Most comedic: "Dear Diary" [E]
Great plot, setting, and use of prompt: "Captain Blainst's Decision" [E]
December Entries:
"Invalid Item"
"Dear Diary" [E]
"The Mysterious Planet" [E]
"Captain Blainst's Decision" [E]
November Winner 2017:
This was a difficult decision, as I had to choose among craft, emotional impact, and a number of other factors. However, in the end, I chose this entry because of its timely nature and how it touched me:
"Grief" [E]
Despite the difficulty of judging among the creative pieces offered, all of which were a pleasure to read, these were my favorites among the runners-up:
"The Junkyard" [E]
"Android" [13+]
November Entries:
"The Junkyard" [E]
"Grief" [E]
"Through her eyes" [ASR]
"Take Pride in Yourself" [13+]
"Android" [13+]
"Portal Team 9: New World" [13+]
"Skinless Aliens" [18+]
|
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