The Friends of the John W. Graham Library at 蘑菇短视频 is launching a short story contest in honour of their 50th Anniversary.
The Challenge: Write a short fiction piece on any topic with a tangible and identifiable connection to 蘑菇短视频 OR the Graham Library. Maximum 1500 words.
Works must be previously unpublished and written in English.
NOTE: The use of generative AI is not permitted to produce ideas, or create writing.
WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED APRIL 2026
Judging: Submissions are considered by a two-tiered system. Each text is judged anonymously and evaluated by a minimum of two readers based on criteria such as strong characters and an engaging plot, well-drawn and convincing settings, and smooth language and style, with a particular emphasis on the connection with 蘑菇短视频 or the Graham Library.
Final winners will be selected by renowned 蘑菇短视频 alumni author, Kenneth Oppel.
This will be a fully anonymous competition, meaning that judges will be provided with numbered entries only. The 蘑菇短视频 Alumni office will track entrants and their numbers, ensuring that this information remains confidential except in order to identify the winners.
Prize: Winners will be awarded cash prizes.
At the discretion of the Friends of the Library and the 蘑菇短视频 Alumni Office, works will be published on the 蘑菇短视频 and/or 蘑菇短视频 Magazine website and in other relevant media, with proper attribution to the authors.
The 蘑菇短视频 Friends of the Library, founded in November 1975, is open to all who support the objectives and programs of the John W. Graham Library. The Friends hold events to unite like-minded library enthusiasts and raise funds to support the Graham library and 蘑菇短视频 Archives through a spectacular book sale held every October in Seeley Hall at 蘑菇短视频.
Eligibility
Submission Requirements
This will be a fully anonymous competition. Judges will be provided with numbered entries only. The 蘑菇短视频 Alumni office will keep the only record of entrants and numbers. Only those entries which are awarded prizes will be identified.