Writers
Dark and Stormy Short-Story Contest
This year’s theme is “Cryptids, Creepers, and Creatures — Oh My!” and you can win $200 cash plus more!
Member - Plus Critique$35.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Member - Entry OnlyFree (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest - Plus Critique$35.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest - Entry OnlyFree (any noted materials fee included) |
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Tue, 9/30/2025 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tue, 9/30/2025
About
Do you hear the rustle in the woods? The whisper of a tale half-remembered? It’s the call of the unknown, the lure of the legendary. Now’s your chance to bring those eerie encounters to life. Delve into the mysterious and the monstrous — whether it’s a cryptid lurking in the shadows, a creature of folklore come to life, or a supernatural being that defies explanation.
The winner will receive a $200 prize reward, a free invite (plus a guest) to this year's Dark and Stormy event, and signed copies of Luciano Marano's werewolf novella trilogy, "The Ambush Moon Cycle."
Formatting Guidelines
- Word count: 2,000 word maximum
- Font: 12 pt Times New Roman
- Double spaced
- 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, 2025
- Entrants must be 21 years or older to enter
- Simultaneous submissions are accepted
- You can only submit your story ONCE! Please look it over for formatting, spelling, and grammar prior to submitting.
Details
- Entry is free.
- The winner will be emailed no later than Oct. 14, 2025. 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. 22, 2025.
- Judges: Luciano Marano 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
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Luciano Marano
Emily Smiley
Follow Us