5th Annual Samurai Fiction Contest - 2009

Fifth Annual Samurai Fiction Contest, 2009

The parameters for the Fifth annual Samurai Fiction contest are covered on this page. The stories must involve Japan or the Samurai, and the story may take place any time up to, but no later than the end of the 19th century, and may take place at any point in Japanese history before this.

Requirements:

This is to be a piece of fiction writing taking place within an unspecified period in Japanese history up to the late 19th century. The available genres are listed below, or along the window on the left of this page - the stories must be written in the style of one of the genres listed.

The story is required to be more than 1,000 words, with a 5,000 word targeted limit - overages are acceptable if necessary, but please don't overdo it. It can be done in the first person, or the third person, and must be a complete short story, not an excerpt from a larger story. The genre(s) must be listed at the top of the story above the title - one genre or a combination of two genres are acceptable. Although the particular genre will not affect judging, all entrants must make sure that their story follows the requirements of their chosen genre(s) - see details below.

Sequels: Sequels to previous stories entered in the contest are acceptable - however, the story must be a stand-alone short story, not a continuation of the previous story.

Disqualifications: Stories with numerous blatant misspellings or poor grammar will be immediately disqualified at the judges discretion. Please spellcheck and proofread your stories. You have until November 2009, plenty of time to correct spelling mistakes and grammar issues.

Genres:

Description: Monsters, zombies, serial killers, and ghouls, anything goes - broken bones, dismemberment, Hideyoshi the werewolf, Nobunaga the vampire. The classic horror story.