Short Fiction Writing Challenge

In partnership with the National Writing Project of Acadiana + The Current

2025 theme:
”Read between the lines”

Get lost in a world of subtle subtext, double meaning, and deciphering what’s left unsaid. In this year’s writing challenge, your story must contain something beyond the surface. Have fun with the hidden or implied and share your version of reading between the lines.

Past recepients

2024 Theme:
“forces of nature”
Prize recepient

“To Catch a Ghost”
by: Lizzie Guitreau Doria

2023 theme:
“a story of perseverance”
prize recipient

“The Scouring”
by: Caitlin Neal-Jones

2022 theme:
“Celebration and the South”
prize recipient

“Swampkitty”
by: Scarlett Davis

SUBMISSION
RULES + GUIDELINES

Dates and Deadlines: 

  • 2025 Theme: READ BETWEEN THE LINES

  • Submissions open: June 2

  • Submissions deadline: Sept 2 

  • Top 5-10 Finalists will be announced TBD

  • Prize recipient will be announced at the Southern Screen Festival. 

General Guidelines: 

  • This competition is sponsored by the National Writing Project of Acadiana and The Current. 

  • All writers must be 18 years of age or older.

  • Each contestant may only submit one entry for the competition. 

  • All work must be original and should not be under review for any other competition or publications.

  • Work must be typed in Times New Roman 12 pt. font and should be submitted as a PDF.

  • A $10 entry fee will be due at the time of submission. 

  • You do not need to be present at the festival to win, though attendance is strongly encouraged. 

  • Top 5-10 Finalists will be invited to and receive a ticket for the event announcing the prize recipient 

    Things to Consider: 

    • Submissions should be aligned to the theme, though can be broadly interpreted.    

    • Submissions that do not adhere to the word count minimum/maximum will be disqualified. 

    • This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity! We encourage and welcome unique views, original ideas, and powerful voices!   

Submission Information: 

  • 2025 Theme: READ BETWEEN THE LINES

  • Submissions should be no less than 1,000 words and not exceed 1,500 words (not including title page). 

  • Submissions can be in any genre but should be in the form of fiction prose, a piece in which the story, characters, and settings are imagined rather than based on real-life events.

  • The submission should include a title page with a 1-2 sentence synopsis and no identifying author information, followed by the submission. 
    (NO author name on submission cover page or within the story)

  • Entry forms and fee must be submitted electronically at the button below.

prize recipient will receive:

  • $150 cash prize

  • Published in Louisiana Literature Magazine

  • Story read aloud at Festival event either by the writer or by a special guest of Southern Screen. The award recipient will have the option and can participate in a Q & A following the reading. 

  • A Festival Pass and Food + Drink Wristband for the remainder of the festival.

  • More prizes TBA.

Questions should be directed to Dr. H. Michelle Kreamer (hmkreamer@louisiana.edu) and/or Gina Hanchey (gina.mlh@gmail.com). 

Happy writing!