Short Story Contest Accepts Submissions For Fiction, Nonfiction

GENEVA, IL — Middle and high school students along with adults with a knack for writing have the opportunity to submit short stories to a contest hosted by Geneva's Cultural Arts Commission.

With no specific theme, writers have an almost unlimited array of topics to write about. Stories can be family-friendly fiction or creative nonfiction as long as Geneva is mentioned in the storyline. In terms of word count, the maximum is 1,200, according to contest guidelines.

Submissions are being accepted starting Tuesday, and writers have until 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 to send in their work, either as a hard or electronic copy. Instructions on how to submit can be found on the city's website.

The first 100 works submitted to the Cultural Arts Commission will be included in reviews, and a panel of local literary experts will choose the winners in late March. Gift certificates amounting to $1,000 will be awarded to the top winners in each age category, and their short stories will be published on the city's website and social media accounts, giving the community a chance to enjoy the writing.

Questions about the contest can be directed to Cate Tracy, the city's liaison for the Cultural Arts Commission, at culturalarts@geneva.il.us.