Contest Closed

Between the two STCW3 topics, two grand prize winners will receive $800 USD. Eight selections will be awarded $80 USD. All ten stories will be published online, guaranteed accessible for at least five years. The stories are judged on creativity, practicality, and writing strength.

For the topic “Mental Health” stories take place in a version of the future where significant advancement has been made in mental health policy and/or human development research. It may be useful to select a real policy proposal and extrapolate what might become if it is widely adopted.

The measure “creativity” can be achieved by illustrating various benefits of the new policy in terms of economic, public, and interpersonal health. You want the reader to think both “aha” and “oh”, creative writing should surprize us.

The measure “practicality” can be achieved by demonstrating an understanding of social science and public policy. It will be practical if it is an extension of our current reality.

The measure “writing strength” can be achieved by successful use of literary devices. Winning stories tend to have a balance of cheer and severity, and must elicit emotional response.

• Top prize: $800

• Other prizes: $80

• Format: Short Story, 1050-1550 words

• Due Date: July 26th, 2020

• Topic: Living in a future with improved mental health policy