2009 Brain Harvest Mega Challenge
As writers, we’re warned constantly against resorting to tried-and-true tropes, usually for very good reason. In fact, our colleagues at Strange Horizons have assembled a very smart list of contrived plots seen too many times (http://strangehorizons.com/guidelines/fiction-common.shtml).
But here at Brain Harvest, we’d actually like to see if you can untrope the tropes, and create something interesting, solid, and, well, bad ass from these overly familiar clichés. In fact, we’re willing to stake the first annual Brain Harvest Mega Challenge on the fact that one of you out there can… in 750 words or less.
Your entries will be read by the Brain Harvest editors, and the winners chosen by our celebrity guest judge, the amazing, award-winning writer and editor, Jeff VanderMeer.
The winning entry will receive $100, publication in Brain Harvest, a hand-knitted mustache, 1 Fresh Eyes crit (up to 10,000 words) to be used on the piece of their choice, and the accolades of their peers, friends, and family.
The second place winner will receive $25, publication in Brain Harvest, and a hand-knitted mustache.
THE RULES
1. Each entry MUST follow as its main plotline at least one of the tropes listed on the Strange Horizons page. Bonus points if you combine a few.
2. Each entry must be 750 words or fewer. Period. Cover letters are unnecessary–just make sure to include your contact information.
3. Entries will be accepted from August 1st - August 31st, 2009, midnight PST. Results announced by October 15th
4. You may enter as many times as you’d like, however, each entry has a reading fee of $5, which must be remitted when you submit.
(WE WILL POST UP SUBMISSION INFORMATION ON JULY 1)
5. Stories must be original works, available for First North American Serial Rights in Brain Harvest.
Find out more about the contest on the Brain Harvest Magazine site.
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