Writing Contests

The prose and poetry contests return for DemiCon 24.

Rules for the contest are:
1) Stories and poems must use the description “24 karat gold” somewhere in the text.
2) Prose is limited to no more than 7,500 words.
3) Poetry is limited to no more than 100 lines.
4) The deadline for receipt of entries is Monday, April 1, 2013.
5) A separate youth category will exist for writers under 18 years of age. The entry must include the writer’s age at the start of DemiCon 24.

All entries will be posted on-line after judging is completed and will be available for reading in print form at the convention. In addition to judges’ comments, members of the convention will be invited to give their feedback to the writers.

There will be first-, second- and third-place winners. Judging will be based on an overall ranking and on three broad categories. Winners will be selected based on total points, with any ties broken using the overall rankings. The categories are Character, Description, and Continuity based on their effective use within the story or poem. Character includes growth of characters, use of dialogue, and believability of characters. Description includes the general use of description, how technological or fantastical items specific to the story are described, and description that sets the scene. Continuity includes consistency of writing, general adherence to the theme, and if the story or poem progresses true to the story’s world.

Judges will include members of DMSFS and other well-read individuals who are not professional writers or editors. Information on where to send your entries will be posted later.

Send your entries no later than April 1, 2013, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . RTF is preferred over .doc or .docs files. You will be sent an email to confirm your entry was received. If you have not received confirmation within three days of submitting your entry, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If you prefer to submit your entry by U.S. mail, please send it to Contests in c/o DMSFS, P.O. Box 7572 Des Moines, IA 50323