Bucks County Community College has invited Bucks County residents who are 18 and older to send in their best short fiction stories.
The deadline for submissions is noon on October 8. Only previously unpublished work is eligible for the contest.
This year is the ninth annual short fiction writing contest, and it is an extension of the Bucks County Poet Laureate contest, which celebrates its 50th year, BCCC officials said. Last year, Marc Keller from Yardley won first place for his story “The Sweet Drop.”
“It’s an outstanding opportunity for writers to get their work recognized and share their stories at our fall reception,” said Elizabeth Luciano, Bucks County Community College short fiction contest director.
Luciano, along with Dennis Tafoya, author of the best-selling novel “Dope Thief,” will judge this year’s entries.
“The first, second and third-place winners will be honored at a reading in November on the BCCC Newtown Campus and will be joined by Mr. Tafoya,” Luciano said. “We are thrilled to have a bestselling novelist as our final judge and guest.”
READ: Bucks County Poet Laureate Program Celebrates 50th Anniversary Milestone; Seeks Next Poet Laureate
First place will also receive a $200 prize, with second and third place winners receiving $100 and $50, respectively.
Tafoya, a resident of Bucks County, first published “Dope Thief” in 2009 but republished it last year after its Apple TV adaptation received an Emmy nomination.
A high school short story contest will be held in the spring for those under 18 who are interested in competing.
