Student writing contest

Attention all storytellers!

Are you interested in sharing your voice with the Douglas College community and getting the chance to win a cash prize? If so, this story competition is just the thing for you! 
 
The Douglas College Learning Centre is hosting a student short story contest. The top three submissions will receive cash prizes, and winners and honourable mentions will be featured in a digital publication. Participants will be invited to a Story Slam hosted by the Library and Learning Centre, where selected students can read their work live for a chance to win the Audience Choice Award (which also includes a cash prize). The Story Slam is scheduled for April 14 from 3:30 – 5:00pm in the New Westminster Campus Library

Guidelines

What do we mean by ‘life-altering lesson'? You're free to interpret that as you wish. Your character(s) can be human or non-human. You are also free to write any type of story (even an autobiographical one). There are no restrictions or limitations on format, genre, or content.

This contest is open to all students, whether you are a prolific writer or just someone who likes to express themselves. Stories will not be evaluated based on perfect language (“accents” and non-English vocabulary are welcome). We will evaluate your ability to move us, make us think, and connect with us. Your story will be evaluated on how well it responds to the prompt based on the following:   
 

Originality - Tell us something we haven't heard before and/or in a way we haven't experienced. Give us a unique perspective. 
 
Impact - Make a connection with your reader. Move us and/or make us think. Tell us something that we will still be thinking about on our commute home (and maybe even after we get home).  
 
Coherence - Ensure there is unity in your story. Give it a cohesive structure and a clear, consistent message, symbol, or theme. The story can be framed around a specific event or experience.

Language - Use language creatively, precisely, and concisely. Ensure that your writing is clear. It's okay if the writing isn't perfect as long as we understand the message(s).

The fine print

Your submission does not need to include research. However, any sources used must be acknowledged and cited using an appropriate and consistent format (ex. APA or MLA). The word limit does not include references or title page.

Your submission must be entirely your own work (i.e. use of professional writing and editing services, generative artificial intelligence, or other outside help is strictly prohibited). There is one exception: You are permitted (and encouraged) to work with a tutor from the Douglas College Learning Centre to get feedback on your submission. You can book an appointment with a Writing Tutor through our website (select “Writing Contest” from the middle dropdown menu above the schedule). 

Your submission may include visuals (drawings, photos, etc.). Any visuals that are not the intellectual property of the author must be cited.   

Note: Submissions will not be accepted after the deadline and any submission over 700 words will be automatically disqualified.