As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, it’s the perfect time to embrace the darker side of storytelling. Last winter, I launched the inaugural “Write in the Dead of Winter” contest, but despite my enthusiasm, it didn’t quite take off as I had hoped.
Key Points
However, I’m not ready to give up just yet! This year, I’m resurrecting the contest with renewed vigor and a few exciting changes to encourage more writers to join in. With a cash prize on the line and a new blog, Dark Passages, dedicated to horror literature, I’m eager to see what chilling tales you can conjure.
Contest Details
While I’m still finalizing all the details, I envision a contest that invites writers to submit their best short stories and microfiction. The theme is open to interpretation, allowing you to explore your darkest fears and most haunting ideas. Whether you prefer psychological horror, the uncanny, classic gothic ghost stories, Lovecraftian horror, or traditional monster tales, I want to see your creativity shine.
The entries will be showcased on the Dark Passages blog, which will serve as a platform for all things horror related under the Whorl Books imprint. This new imprint will focus on publishing horror titles, and I’m even considering the possibility of compiling the best entries into an anthology. Imagine your work being part of a collection that showcases the talent of writers who dare to delve into the macabre!
Why Write Horror?
Horror is a genre that allows us to confront our fears in a safe environment. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the world around us. Writing horror can be cathartic, allowing authors to express their anxieties and uncertainties through the lens of fiction. It’s a chance to tap into the primal emotions that lie beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
Moreover, horror stories have a way of resonating with readers on a deep level. They can evoke strong emotions, provoke thought, and even inspire change. By participating in this contest, you’ll not only challenge yourself as a writer but also contribute to a genre that has captivated audiences for centuries.
How to Participate
To participate in the “Write in the Dead of Winter” contest, simply prepare your short story or microfiction piece that aligns with the dark themes mentioned earlier. Keep an eye on the Dark Passages blog for official submission guidelines, including word count limits and deadlines. I encourage you to let your imagination run wild and craft a story that will send shivers down the spine of your readers.
Whether you choose to click your pen, type away on your laptop, or even pluck a quill from a crow, the important thing is to get your ideas down on paper. Embrace the chill of winter and let it inspire your writing.
As we approach the winter months, I invite all writers—seasoned and new—to join me in this creative endeavor. The “Write in the Dead of Winter” contest is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the art of storytelling and the power of horror. Together, we can breathe life into chilling tales that will haunt readers long after they’ve turned the last page.
So, gather your thoughts, sharpen your writing tools, and prepare to pen your darkest fears. I can’t wait to see what you create. Let’s make this winter one filled with spine-tingling stories that will resonate in the hearts and minds of readers everywhere.
