Explore ‘The Heart of Europe’ through writing
The City of Brno markets itself as ‘The Heart of Europe’. Now there is a reason to explore the concept: The Third Annual Brno Short Story Writing Contest has begun.
The best short story will win 6,000 CZK. Second place gets 3,000 CZK and third place gets 1,000 CZK.
The submission deadline is Sunday, May 26.
The BSSWC is a free contest. Only one entry per person. The short stories must be in English, 2,500 words or less, and include the theme ‘The Heart of Europe’ in some significant way. There are many ways to interpret the ‘The Heart of Europe’ contest theme. It’s up to the writer to figure out how.
For more specific instructions, please go to the contest website at brnowritersgroup.blogspot.com or visit FB/brnowritersgroup . Send questions to brnowritersgroup@gmail.com.
Jury
The jury includes a cross-section of local cultural icons and writing enthusiasts:
- Don Sparling, a co-founder of the Brno Expat Centre and a longtime leader in the local expat and Masaryk University communities;
- Tomáš Kačer, a teacher in the Department of English and American Studies at MU and a translator;
- Anna Formánková, a translator and a book editor at MOBA Publishing House;
- and contest co-founder and Brno Writers Group co-founder Lee Adams, the At the Movies blogger for the Brno Expat Centre.
The jury will be instructed that the contest is focused on creating a story that includes the theme ‘The Heart of Europe’ in some significant way. The story is the most important aspect, including writing, originality, character development, and plot development. It is understood that most of the entrants will not be native English speakers and that, in fact, this may be their first attempt to write creatively in English. All entrants should endeavor to adhere to the rules of English; however, spelling and grammar will not be critical for success.
Winners will be announced in mid-June.
Brno Daily and the Brno Expat Centre are both media sponsors of the Brno Short Story Writing Contest.