Spooky Story entries due Thursday

To help get readers in the spirit for Halloween season, Driftless Multimedia and sponsors are again hosting a writing contest, “Spooky Stories to Tell in the Driftless.” 

To help get readers in the spirit for Halloween season, Driftless Multimedia and sponsors are again hosting a writing contest, “Spooky Stories to Tell in the Driftless.” Turn in submissions relaying your best spooky story under any of four cate-‘gories’: adult fiction or non-fiction, and youth (up to age 17) fiction or non-fiction.  
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each cate-‘gory’: $100 for first place adult, $50 for second place adult, and $25 for third place adult. Youth prizes will be $50, $30 and $15, respectively.
Stories will be judged by ‘spooktacular’ judges from the community and entries will be published in the Driftless Journal. Share your original fictional haunted stories, or simply write down any ghostly experience you may have experienced personally as non-fiction.

Fiction
Fictional ghost stories are terrifying to read; the writer can draft a bizarre tale of events that could not possibly happen. Ghost stories are welcome, of course, but submissions can 
involve any paranormal or supernatural theme. What we’re looking for is creative writing, fresh perspectives and maybe a few surprises. Submissions will be judged on originality, plot structure, quality of writing and the “wow” factor. 

Non-Fiction
Nothing really gives readers the chills more than reading about a nonfiction ghostly encounter. These events actually happened. Stories entered in this category should be based on true unexplained events experienced by someone in the Driftless region, whether personally experience or passed down through Driftless lore. Names and dates can be changed for privacy. Submissions will be judged on plot structure, quality of writing, connection to the Driftless and the “wow” factor. 

Guidelines
Submissions must not exceed 500 words. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, Sept. 29. Winners in each category will be announced in October. 
Submissions must include author’s name, hometown, category of entry and contact information. E-mail submissions to: contest@driftlessjournal.com by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29. There is no entry fee to participate.  
Please keep in mind that the Driftless Journal is a family-friendly publication. 

Disclaimer
Limit of one story per writer. Individual entries only; group submissions will not be accepted. The story must be your own work: either an original piece, or a retelling (in your own words) of a ghost story/unexplained mystery that you’ve heard or experienced. By submitting your story, you give Driftless Multimedia LLC and its partners non-exclusive permission to use content of and/or made by the participant for digital or print publications. You understand that this may include, but is not limited to, social media posts, websites, newsprint, advertisements and audio recordings. You certify that no other person’s permission is needed to authorize the use of said content or images. You agree that Driftless Multimedia LLC cannot be held liable for images or content used with your consent. 

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