An African-Canadian Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Short Story Contest for Youth
First Prize: $200,
2nd prize: $100,
3rd prize: $50
Word Limit: 2000-7500 words
Submission Deadline: May 5, 2006
Download the entry form here.
Who can enter the contest?
Any young person from grades 6-12 may send in their stories to the contest, regardless of race or ethnic background. We do hope that many African-Canadian young people will enter as well.
What we're looking for in your story.
Creativity, imagination, a good grasp of grammar and use of language. Your story can be about a person or persons of color or about issues affecting persons of color in your version of the future. You can write about anything you can imagine. Please read the Rules and Regulations to find out what we do NOT want to see in your stories. Young adults are advised to theorize how current scientific theory or fact may change the future (extrapolation).
What is Science-Fiction ?
Here are some definitions by two famous science-fiction authors:
Isaac Asimov
Modern science fiction is the only form of literature that consistently considers the nature of the changes that face us, the possible consequences, and the possible solutions
Terry Carr
Science Fiction is literature about the future, telling stories of the marvels we hope to see--or for our descendants to see--tomorrow, in the next century, or in the limitless duration of time.
What is Fantasy writing?
Fantasy stories take place in a make-believe world with imaginary characters. Fantasy writing is based in myths, or legends, or completely imaginary world where the impossible can happen, for example, talking dragons or magical beings.
Submissions.
Your story should be between 2000-7500 words long. It should be sent in with the official contest entry form that you will find under Contest Rules and Regulations. Please read the Rules and Regulations to avoid making a mistake that could disqualify your entry.
The Nomination Committee
The nomination committee will read every story entered into the competition received by the May 5th deadline. We will objectively critique each story and create a short list of the best stories for the Judges panel to review.
Dalton Bennett E-commerce consultant
and sci-fi author-in-the making
Phyllis Walker-Award winning Storyteller, Author, Teacher
The Judges
Luanga Nuwame
Entrepreneur, CEO Azique Toys, creator of the Black History Month Trading Cards Series.
Eric Esse
Graphic artist, has broad knowledge of computer technology and graphic arts. Currently facilitating a program for kids and adults that focuses on solving the Rubik's cube puzzle, based on clear and concise diagrams and algorithims.
Role Models:
Charles R Saunders-author of the Imaro Series. Mr Saunders is one of Canada's first African-Canadian fantasy authors. His groundbreaking series Imaro features an African hero in a fantasy African inspired landscape and society. Imaro is strong, fearless and a great warrior who must battle sorcerers, enemy tribes and mythical beasts as he searches for a home. The Imaro series has just been re-edited and re-released through Night Shade Publishing.
Nalo Hopkinson
Canada's most prolific and versatile African-Canadian Sci-fi/ Fantasy author. Nalo has published several books and won prizes for her inventive stories that tie in Caribbean culture, folklore and language. Her books include Little Brown Girl in the Ring, The Midnight Robber and The Salt Roads.
Hopkinson's work has earned her awards including the Warner Aspect First Novel Contest, The John W.Campbell Award for Best New Writer, The World Fantasy Award, and The Ontario Arts Council Foundation Award for Emerging Writers, amongst others.
Special Mention: Octavia Butler
Octavia Butler who died in February 2006 has left an impressive legacy in the sci-fi community. Ms Butler was African-American and known for tackling issues of race, the power dynamics of race,politics and society in her work. Her works included Kindred, The Parable of The Sower series, The Patternist Series, and her last novel Fledgling.
1995 MacArthur Award (the "genius" grant)
1984 Hugo Award for "Speech Sounds" short story
1985 Hugo Award for "Bloodchild" novella
1984 Nebula Award for "Bloodchild" novella
Sci-Fi Links
www.carlbrandon.org
www.speculative.ca
www.speclit.org
Download the entire Press Release here.
For more information, please contact:
Nicole Georges
georgesnic@rogers.com
Phone: 416-298-1649
