It Was a Dark and Stormy Night: Short-Story Contest

BARN is hosting a short-story contest! The winner of this contest will have a chance to read their story live at the Dark and Stormy event on Oct. 26, and win a free critique of a piece of their choice.  

Every October, accomplished local authors emerge in BARN's Great Room with stories they’ve written to frighten and bewitch. This year, we want to hear more! Are you a writer? Whether you’re an experienced Dark-and-Stormy-goer or you’re new to the event, this contest is for you. 

This year’s theme is "Uncanny Valley." Coined in the 1970s by Japanese roboticist Masahiro Mori, “the uncanny valley” refers to that eerie feeling we get when something seems not quite right. Mori was specifically referring to the creepy feeling we get when some AI robots appear to be almost human. But your story doesn't have to be about robots or AI. It can be anything. A playground that is eerily quiet and empty, even though it's recess time. Something, animate object or not, that is acting in an unpredictable way. Ultimately, stepping into the uncanny valley is to fear the unknown. You never know what will happen next while you're in the uncanny valley. Write anything you want surrounding this theme. It is open to interpretation. Be creative!

Details

• The winner will be emailed no later than Oct. 14, and publicly announced by Oct. 21. If you pay for the critique option, your critique will be emailed to you by Nov. 22.
• Submission guidelines: Times New Roman; double-spaced; 2,000-word maximum (flash fiction will be accepted).
• Entries will be judged anonymously.
• Submission details will be emailed to you upon registration.
• Please ensure your name is not on the actual work.
• We accept .pdf, .doc, and .docx file formats.
• DEADLINE: Sept. 30, 11:59 PM PST.
• Since you must be 21 or older to attend BARN's Dark and Stormy event, you must be 21 or older to enter this contest.
• Submitted stories can be previously published.

Instructors or Guides