About

What Lies Within?

What do Chucky, The Ring, and Christine have in common? They’re all stories about objects that are haunted, possessed, or cursed. And that’s exactly what our 2026 short story contest theme will be: Haunted Objects.

From antique mirrors and music boxes to cursed jewelry and forgotten heirlooms, we invite you to explore the terror hidden inside ordinary things.

The winner will receive a $200 prize reward, a free invite (plus a guest) to this year's Dark and Stormy event on October 24th, and signed copies of Sweetest Darkness and Fractured Tide by Leslie Lutz—this year's guest judge.

Formatting Guidelines

• Word count: 2,000-word maximum.
• Font: 12 pt Times New Roman.
• Double-spaced, with one-inch margins on top, bottom, left, and right (standard for most word processors).
• First line indent: Half an inch.
• Title and page number in the top right side of your header.
• Do not put your name on your submission (entries must be anonymous to ensure fair judging).
• Entries that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

* Pro Tip: Save these formatting guidelines to use as a checklist prior to submitting your work.

Rules

• Due: 11:59 PM PST Sept. 30.
• You must be 21 years or older to enter.
• Simultaneous submissions are accepted.
• You can only submit your story ONCE!

Details

• Entry is free.
• The winner will be emailed no later than Oct. 14. The announcement will be made publicly within that week.
• If you paid for the critique option, your critique will be emailed to you by Nov. 21.
• Judges: Leslie Lutz and Emily Smiley.
• Critique Option: We're offering our $35 critique option again this year! Critiques will include in-line comments, a short editor’s letter, and a 30-minute Zoom call with Emily about your piece. If you’d like the critique, make sure you choose that option when you register for the contest.
• Questions? Email us at writers.contest@bainbridgebarn.org