Write a short story on the theme “Pumpkin Spice” and submit it for a chance to see your story published with The Pearl and win $100. It’s free to enter and open to everyone.
It’s the season of pumpkin spice right? Get that jean jacket out. Wear those boots. Stomp through the leaves in the woods.
The fall writing contest theme is “Pumpkin Spice” and we want you to get creative with it. You can weave a pumpkin spice latte into a literary fiction piece and we’d love to read it, but what else can you achieve with this little theme if you let your imagination run wild?
Our apprentices at The Company flash fiction on this theme last week as part of a game. They wrote some classic fall stuff complete with spooky gothic houses and the headless (now pumpkin-headed) undead, but we also saw the theme worked into espionage. Our apprentices can’t win the contest, so keep an eye on Noah, Vella, and RJ‘s websites in the coming weeks to see if they release their flash pieces to the public there.
Have fun with this! You can play to the typical fall themes, or do something weird with it. In any case, just write a great story and surprise us.
Your story does not necessarily need to include the words “pumpkin spice,” but it should embody the idea in one way or another.
This contest will be judged by Thirzah, the first-ever graduate of The Company’s apprenticeship program, to celebrate the release of her new book: A Traitor’s Vow.
A Traitor’s Vow is the exciting second book of Thirzah’s Adventures in Eldnaire fantasy series. Grab your copy on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4eqXmwW
All genres and styles of narrative writing (storytelling) are accepted for this contest, as long as it’s 1,500 words or less. It’s completely free to enter.
Your story can be funny, scary, heartwarming, compelling, or invigorating. You can interpret the theme as creatively as you want.
The deadline to enter is 11:59pm ET on December 1, 2024. We’ll announce the winners sometime in the month of December.
(Thanks to RJ Catlin for the graphic for this contest too. Go check out her website and subscribe to her newsletter as a way to say “thank you!” RJCatlin.com)
Fabulous Writing Contest Prizes
The winner of this contest will take home a $100 Amazon gift card and be published by The Pearl. The runner-up will receive a $50 credit to spend in The Company Store.
Member Bonus: Anyone can enter one story in this contest for free, but Agents and Operatives of The Company with an account in good standing can submit up to three stories.
How to Enter this Writing Contest
Entering the contest is simple. If you don’t have an account with The Company yet, you can get one for free here. Simply register, log in, and then submit your story here. There’s some additional details on that page about file types, font sizes, and that sort of thing, so make sure you read all of the details on the submission page before you submit.
Details Roundup
Writing Contest Theme: “Pumpkin Spice” – all styles and genres are welcome. Your story does not need to include the words “Pumpkin Spice,” just the idea.
Word Limit: 1,500 words or less.
Deadline: 11:59pm ET on December 1, 2024
Contest Prize: Winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and their story will be published by The Pearl. Runner-up will receive a $50 credit to The Company Store.
Who can participate? Anyone. There is no cost to enter. The writing contest is open to writers of all ages and experience levels. You may live anywhere in the world, but you must have a mailing address in the United States to receive physical prizes. If you’re an Agent or Operative level member of The Company, you can submit two additional stories for free.
Do I keep the rights to my work? Yes! We will only publish the contest winner to our website. All others retain complete control and copyrights of their work. Before The Pearl publishes the winner, they will ask for permission from the author. You can still win even if you’d prefer your story to not be published.
How do I enter? Register for a FREE account with The Company. Registration is easy. Once registered, log in to submit your work for this contest.
I need help! We’d love to help you. Shoot us an email at info@writers.company. Don’t wait until the day of the deadline to ask for help. You can also ask questions on “The Company Secrets” Facebook group.
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About the Contest Judge: Thirzah
The fall writing contest will be judged by Thirzah.
Thirzah lives in Bryans Road, Maryland. She graduated from The Company’s full-time apprenticeship program in 2023.
Thirzah is the author of The Librarian’s Ruse and A Traitor’s Vow. Find the complete Adventures in Eldaire series on Amazon here.
Learn more about Thirzah and grab her free worldbuilding tools on her website, ThirzahWrites.com.
