In Which I Host a Short Story Contest

You know, with as much as I love reading short stories, I really should start hosting more short story contests. Which got me thinking, why not do a yearly one? (Yes, I've only hosted one so far, and that was a year ago lol). Which also means, it's about due time I host another one!

*much excitement*

And the best part? This year, it has a theme! That said, to enter, your short story must be based off this prompt:

Your character is following a strange, handwritten recipe found in the back of a thrifted cookbook. But when they reach the final step, it calls for an ingredient that shouldn't exist.

RULES:

• Your submission must be under 3,000 words and above 300.

• There cannot be anything inappropriate. This also includes nothing dark or extreme violence.

• You can send me your submission by filling out this form.

• The DEADLINE for the contest is NOVEMBER 20th, 2025. That gives you one month to write/edit/submit your story. 😉

• Your submission must be autumn-themed.

• One submission per person.

PRIZES:

And, now for the prizes announcement! If you win, you will get:

FIRST PLACE:

• Your short story published on the blog.

• I'll edit a piece of your writing of your choosing.

• I will also write and post a blog post of your choosing (the topic must be writer/bookish themed).

• If you have a website, I will subscribe to it if I haven't already. 🙂

SECOND PLACE:

• Your short story published on the blog.

• One-on-one mentorship: you may ask me any question on writing, and I will provide you with the best I can answer.

THIRD PLACE:

• Your short story published on the blog.

I can't wait to see all your submissions!! Remember, the deadline to submit your story is November 20th, 2025. And in case you missed it, you can find the submission form here.

God bless!

Maya