 
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.
I will judge entries starting August 1st, and provide (hopefully) thoughtful reviews for all submissions.
May the best sentient being win!
Contest Re-opening for October!
The prompt:
Apocalypse - Denied!
Every day, the world becomes a little more complicated, perhaps even a little more fragile and frightening, leading the imagination to wonder, "When will the next shoe drop, what will go wrong?" In Fantasy, it is a common trope that the hero saves the day from a "swiftly tilting planet", usually some contrived evil. But this is science fiction - when humanity is almost lost, what will plausibly threaten us? What will save us?
October Entries:
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:
Even in the far future, there are strange creatures and unexplored frontiers:
September Entries:
"The Sun God"  [13+]
"The Takeover" [13+]
"The World of Regan" [E]
"This Planet Needs Women" [18+]
"Tomorrow Now" [E]
"The Interpreter " [18+]
Donations:
48K GPs: Jeffhans   -- Thanks for your support!
10K GPs + banner sponsorship: eyestar-go raiders  -- Thanks so much for the support and for linking me up with a E Weatherwax  . The banner is awesome!
Contest Archives ▼
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+]
" Just Passing (1900 words)" [ ASR]
" The Future is Closer Than You Think" [ 13+]
" 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:
And this shouldn't be missed, by virtue of sheer cuteness if nothing else:
May Entries:
" Substitute Teacher" [ E]
" Invalid Item"
" Lize" [ E]
" In Between Times" [ 13+]
" The Implant" [ E]
" Robotic Love " [ E]
" 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"
" Parking Space" [ 13+]
" 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:
February Entries:
" The Transnian Contract" [ 13+]
" The finest little ship in the cluster" [ 13+]
" A Dangerous Game" [ 13+]
" Invalid Item"
" One Man's Junk" [ 13+]
" Hope for the Universe" [ 13+]
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:
"Nothing here" [E]
Honorable Mentions:
Most comedic: "Dear Diary" [E]
Great plot, setting, and use of prompt: "Captain Blainst's Decision" [E]
December Entries:
"Nothing here" [E]
"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" [E]
"Skinless Aliens" [18+]
|
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