Sunspot Literary Journal: Inception Contest for Authors and Artists
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Prize: $250 cash plus publication for the winner; publication offered to runners-up and finalists
Beginnings have the power to spark passion or curiosity. They might immediately connect a specific place and time with an emotional tone. The best openings offer a feeling, atmosphere, action, or image that is gripping, and hints at more to come. Meaning, thoughtfulness, emotions, or tone draw audiences into the moment.
A poem handles this differently than a flash piece, which handles an opening differently than a novel. The first photo, painting or frame presented in a gallery, series, or graphic novel strives for the same intent. Openings contain a spark that promises to burn.
For Sunspot Lit's Inception contest, send your best opening. There are no restrictions on theme, category, or the length of the piece or collection from which the excerpt comes. Word limit is 250 for prose, 25 words for poetry.
Graphic novel and comic book entries should be the first page (unlimited number of panels on that page) with a maximum of 250 words (cut the number of panels in order to meet the word count, if needed).
Visual art entries should be the first in a series, the first in a gallery lineup, the first in a themed collection, etc. Entries are limited to one image.
Enter as many times as you like through Submittable or Duotrope, but only one piece per submission. Entry fee: $8.50. Submission files that contain multiple pieces will be disqualified without review. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please withdraw your piece if it is published elsewhere before the winner is selected.
About Sunspot Literary Journal
Sunspots are areas of lower temperatures that appear on the sun's surface. Because of the sun's brilliance, sunspots are not visible to the naked eye. They are the unique and creative elements hidden in every ray.
Hearing Every Voice
Sunspot Literary Journal was founded to cut through the blinding flashes. The publications present writing and art that is meaningful. Writing and art created by individuals who might not have a large social media following, but who still have something important to say.
Writing a New World
Here at Sunspot, we believe that the written word as well as the created image hold power. Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, graphic novels, scripts and art can speak truth to power by harnessing the power inherent in all human beings. Our mission is to amplify every voice. Learn more about us.
