A Creative Short Story Challenge Awaits You!
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Chapter 1: The Essence of a Short Story
Before diving into the challenge, let’s clarify what constitutes a short story.
New Fiction Sharing
Many of you are likely familiar with the various fiction pieces circulating on the Medium Platform. You might wonder what new perspective I could bring to this array of articles. What I’m about to propose is a challenge aimed at igniting a surge of creativity among you all.
However, let’s first address the fundamental elements of a short story.
What Defines a Short Story?
A few essential criteria establish what a short story is, including:
- Word Count
- Character Count
- Plot Threads
Let’s explore these requirements in detail.
Word Count
Typically, a short story ranges from 1,000 to 17,000 words, although the latter is often excessive for platforms like Medium. Therefore, for this challenge, I’m setting a word limit of 4,000 to 8,000 words, with 4,000 being the minimum. Yes, I understand that crafting a story within 8,000 words can be quite challenging.
To visualize the length, consider that an average double-spaced manuscript contains about 250 words per page. Divide your target word count by 250 to estimate the number of pages your story will occupy, assuming standard manuscript formatting.
What is Standard Manuscript Formatting?
Typically, publishers prefer submissions in Times New Roman font, size 12, with 1-inch margins on all sides.
Character Count
The ideal character count for a short story should not exceed four active participants. This observation comes from my experience as both a reader and writer. In fact, one of my own projects began as a short story but expanded beyond its intended scope.
Plot Threads
Generally, a short story includes one or two plot threads. A plot thread represents a single storyline that conveys a complete narrative in the fewest words necessary. For this challenge, it’s important to weave enough substance into each plot thread while adhering to the 4,000-8,000 word requirement.
I hope this clarifies things for everyone following along.
The Challenge
Now that I have your attention, let’s discuss the actual challenge. Are you ready?
Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to craft a story featuring a superhero who is rescued by an individual of the opposite sex from a perilous situation that only affects supers. The narrative should convey a romantic theme, highlighting the superhero’s deep appreciation and love for their savior.
Here are the specific criteria:
- A superhero (any gender) finds themselves trapped in a lethal scenario affecting only those with superpowers.
- The love interest is the sole person capable of rescuing the superhero.
- The love interest successfully saves their beloved from the danger.
- Following the rescue, a heartfelt exchange occurs, leading to a joyful conclusion for both characters (as long as the villains are apprehended).
Ensure that the antagonist who attempted to eliminate the superhero faces justice by the story's end, unless you envision further developments in your tale.
That wraps up the criteria for the challenge. If you decide to participate, please tag me in your article so I can read your work!
Chapter 2: Watch the Winners of the Short Story Challenge
Discover the triumphs from the latest Short Story Challenge in this video that showcases the best entries and their creators.
Chapter 3: Kicking Off the 2024 Short Story Challenge
Join us as we kick off the 2024 Short Story Challenge with insights and inspiration from participants and judges alike.