Collective Folk Fiction Writing Competition with Cash Prize
In this time of chaos and turmoil, we as a society (and to some extent as a species) have bought into the dominant superhero narrative that only one special person could save us from all this madness. This is not only untrue, but also dangerous towards our advancement.
In Greater & Grander’s ongoing pursuit of expanding artistic boundaries, we have decided to sponsor a writing contest, open to all, free to enter, and focused on stories of collective action.
This is not just about highlighting new and undiscovered authors. This is about shifting paradigms. This is about creating a new genre.
Therefore, we are opening this writing contest for submissions in the new genre, Collective Folk Fiction. This genre focuses on several characteristics, and should contain as many of the following. You are not required to include all, but you will be scored, partly, on how many you can include in your submission:
- The story focuses on a group of people from different walks of life (age, language, ethnicity, occupation, intersectionality, etc.) coming together to accomplish something.
- The story and characters should reject the “cult of individualism.”
- The story should NOT equate goodness with force. The characters should use tactics to succeed that do not include the worship of force, or violence.
- If possible, the characters should reject the war machine, or overt nationalism, in favor of working together across divides.
- Character’s strengths and weaknesses should NOT be determined by their genes, bloodlines, or any discussion similar to eugenics.
- The story must focus on the freedom and equality of all, regardless of power-dynamics.
- The characters should not operate as vigilantes outside the law, unless the representation of the law itself is unjust (Robin Hood, Black Lives Matter, etc.).
- The heroes should challenge, not reinforce the status quo.
- Characters (even good ones) should have flaws.
- It is preferred that the story deals with a progressive theme, including (but not limited to): right to healthcare; right to a decent home; right to the social safety net; right to free education; right to employment for everyone regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.; right to a basic livable income; right to pursue a small business.
Recommended length for submissions is 1,500 to 3,000 words. You can check out some of our past fiction posts here.
The winner will receive a $500 cash prize, and be published in Greater & Grander’s 2020 collection of Collective Folk Fiction ebook. The collection of stories will also be available for purchase on Amazon.
Runners up will also be published in Greater & Grander’s 2020 collection of Collective Folk Fiction ebook. The collection of stories will also be available for purchase on Amazon.
By submitting your story, you agree to the following main principles:
- You own the copyright and intellectual property of the story you submit;
- You grant Greater & Grander and its assignees and affiliates the right to modify, adapt, and/or edit your story; and
- You grant Greater & Grander and its assignees and affiliates the non-exclusive right to use, publish, and monetize any Contributions that you submit or provide to Greater & Grander.
Deadline for submissions will be Sunday, December 6th, at 11:59 pm PST.
Please note, at this time, the choice of winner will be left solely to the discretion of Greater & Grander.
The Submission Period is now Closed
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I have spent time sorting out story to enter into competition, to find that the site will not accept my entry. Has living in the United Kingdom, I do not have a Zip code . Can I Email my entry to you? Have been up small hours of the morning preparing draft to send. No Email address on site.
Hello, thank you for your comments. Please note, the zip code is not required for the submission, and we have updated the page. If it still does not work, feel free to submit a dummy zip code.
Site will not accept my postal code.
I have made up a zip code my story Ephemera Higgins has now been accepted. I hope my work has paid of have a good weekend.
So, can it be an important piece of a whole story that is also Collective Folk Fiction?
Is this contest open to residents outside the US? If so, what should we put in the postcode section as the form accepts only numerical postcodes?
Hello, thank you for your comments. Please note, the zip code is not required for the submission, and we have updated the page. If it still does not work, feel free to submit a dummy zip code. Contest is open to everyone around the world.
Can you give me one day plz. I haven’t completed my story yet. Please
Can you give me some time please
Hello All, thank you for your comments. Please note, the zip code is not required for the submission, and we have updated the page. If it still does not work, feel free to submit a dummy zip code.