THE NARRATIVE ARC WRITING COMPETITION

‘Valentine’ Love-is-Love Writing Competition!

Cash Prizes and a Fast-Track Deal

Update to Annoucement — Contestants, remember to choice ONE story from another contestant, copy it and paste it at the bottom of your story! Yes, you can edit your story to add another link, Virginia! Thanks.

Copy, paste, then Save and Publish.

Introduce it and link the author’s name, like so.

Here’s a story I liked by Darren Weir about his infatuation with a star from Petticoat Junction. Darren’s one of our editors, so he’s not in the running, which is why I chose his story.

Okay, onward to the contest rules.

Love is love!

And we’re celebrating all kinds — romantic, platonic, love between a guy and his dog, love between friends.

You name it, we’re here for it. Remember, a story should pull us in. It should make us laugh, cry, and all of the in-between. Please put your best writing before us with this!

Parasol Publications is our group of pubs, which include The Narrative Arc, In for a Penny, and The Wind Phone. Please follow Parasol, and have a look at our pubs. To join this competition, you must join The Narrative Arc and follow.

Here are the contest rules.

1. You may submit up to two stories for the competition.
2. You must be a member of The Narrative Arc and follow on social media! As we’re fairly new, we will post links for you to follow soon. For now, join us at The Narrative Arc, have a read through our guidelines, and get busy writing your love story!
3. Story must be five to seven minutes long, no more, no less.
4. You must be the original author of the story. Please don’t recycle previously-published stories, or excerpts from books. We’re looking for new writing.
5. Sex may be part of the story, but not the main focus! We like sex. Just help us keep our tags clean (no erotica). You’re welcome to be cosmic, or humorous, or mysterious. Feel free to get creative.
6. We will edit lightly, per usual, but are looking for stunning and fresh stories. Please make sure to read all formatting guidelines in Parasol Publications if you are a new writer on Medium.
7. Stories will be judged by editors of Parasol Publications, and the winners will be featured in an announcement article. Along with first, second, and third prizes, three honorable mentions will be chosen!
8. Criteria for wins: audience reactions to your story, interaction from other readers, excellence in writing, content, pacing. We’re looking for some amazing stories! Feel free to share your story far and wide.
9. Tag your story Valentine for it to populate into our correct spot we’ll reserve for stories.
10. After we’ve received at least five entries, please choose one of your favorites and put it at the tail end of your entry. Tell readers what you like about it! This encourages our readers to engage and show the love. If you enter, you should know who your ‘competition’ is — engage, clap, and write notes! We’ll notice it all.

Prizes and Awards

First prize is $50.00

Second prize is $30.00

Third prize is $20.00

Three Honorable Mentions

You will receive your money within one week of the win. Please have Venmo, or any of the tipping apparatuses set up on your Medium account.

Fast-Track Prize

The first place winner will receive a fast-track deal, in which their following three stories with The Narrative Arc will be bumped to the front of our editing queue! You will have preferential treatment as an honor, as well as money!

Dates to enter, and Final Date

Stories accepted between January 12th and February 10th. The final hour to submit your entry is 12:00 noon Pacific time (Los Angeles) on February 10th. Please make sure you make the deadline if you want to enter. Otherwise, we’ll gladly add your story to the pub but not as a contest piece.

Judging will be completed and winners announced on Valentine’s Day!

Stay tuned for more details, and best of luck!

Valentine’s Day Writing Competition 2023