Welcome to the Fantasy Short Story Competition for CEA Past Your Reality, a celebration of worlds beyond imagination! This anthology invites writers to weave captivating tales of magic, wonder, and adventure that transport readers to extraordinary realms.
We’re looking for stories that break the boundaries of reality, exploring epic quests, mystical creatures, and spellbinding enchantments. Whether your tale takes place in a sprawling magical kingdom, a secret world hidden within our own, or a dimension unknown, let your imagination soar and bring your vision to life.
Submissions start in January and close on 31 July of each year, with selected stories earning their place in this enchanting collection. This anthology is set to be published toward the end of each year.
Step into the extraordinary and past your reality. Share your magical masterpiece with the world in our Fantasy Short Story Competition!
CEA Short Story Competition Rules
Before submitting your entry for the Fantasy Short Story Competition, please ensure you are familiar with the full CEA competition rules, eligibility criteria, and submission guidelines. These can be found on our dedicated CEA Short Story Competitions Rules page.
This page contains all the important information you need to know, including:
- Eligibility requirements
- Submission guidelines
- Submission process and fees
- Criteria for selection
- Prizes, rights, and royalties
We encourage all writers to review the rules carefully to ensure their submission meets the requirements for the Fantasy Short Story Competition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Subgenres of Fantasy
Fantasy opens the door to limitless worlds and possibilities, where magic, mythical creatures, and extraordinary adventures come to life. Below are some examples of fantasy subgenres you may explore for your submission. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage you to let your imagination soar within the genre.
Examples of Fantasy Subgenres
- Epic Fantasy: Grand tales set in vast, intricate worlds, often involving quests and battles between good and evil.
- Urban Fantasy: Stories where magical elements exist within modern or urban settings.
- Dark Fantasy: Fantasy that blends elements of horror, exploring the darker aspects of magic and the supernatural.
- Sword and Sorcery: Action-packed adventures featuring heroic characters wielding swords and engaging with magic.
- High Fantasy: Stories set entirely in imaginary worlds with complex systems of magic, politics, and lore.
- Fairy Tale Retellings: Reimagined versions of classic fairy tales with unique twists.
- Magical Realism: Stories where magical elements seamlessly blend into realistic settings.
- Portal Fantasy: Adventures where characters journey to another world through a magical portal or doorway.
Fantasy thrives on creativity and world-building. Whether you’re exploring vast kingdoms or uncovering hidden magic in everyday life, take your readers on an unforgettable journey beyond reality in our Fantasy Short Story Competition.
What Writers Should Focus On
The Fantasy Short Story Competition invites writers to create captivating worlds filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. To make your submission stand out, here are some tips and insights to guide your storytelling:
1. Build a Unique World
- Craft a vivid and immersive setting with its own rules, cultures, and histories.
- Avoid overloading with exposition; reveal your world naturally through your characters’ experiences and actions.
2. Develop Strong Characters
- Focus on creating relatable, dynamic characters that drive the narrative.
- Give your protagonists clear goals, meaningful conflicts, and emotional depth.
3. Establish a Clear Magic System
- Define how magic works in your world, including its rules, limitations, and consequences.
- Ensure the use of magic aligns with the logic of your story and enhances the plot.
4. Incorporate Epic Themes
- Explore universal themes like good versus evil, destiny, sacrifice, or redemption.
- Make your story resonate emotionally by tying these themes to your characters’ journeys.
5. Balance World-Building and Plot
- While rich details enhance your world, the story should remain focused on the characters and their journey.
- Keep the narrative engaging, ensuring the plot drives forward without becoming bogged down in descriptions.
6. Add Surprising Twists
- Avoid predictable tropes by adding unexpected twists or exploring lesser-known fantasy elements.
- Keep your readers engaged by challenging their expectations.
7. End with Impact
- Deliver a memorable conclusion that leaves readers awestruck, whether it’s a surprising twist, a poignant resolution, or an epic finale.
- Tie up loose ends while leaving room for wonder and imagination.
Focus on weaving a tale that transports readers to extraordinary realms, where the impossible becomes real. Let your creativity shine as you bring your vision to life in the Fantasy Short Story Competition.
Submission Form and Fees
To submit your entry for the Fantasy Short Story Competition, please complete the form linked below. This form is required for all submissions and helps us process entries efficiently.
Submission Fees
The following submission fees apply based on your location:
- South Africa: R75 per entry
- United States: $25 USD per entry
- Europe: €25 EUR per entry
- Australia: $30 AUD per entry
- United Kingdom: £20 GBP per entry
Please read the CEA Competitions page to understand the costs and rules.
Payment Process
After completing the submission form, we will contact you to arrange payment. Payment methods include but aren’t limited to:
- EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
- Tymebank payment by Pick n Pay (South Africa)
- PayPal
- Payoneer
Please note that the submission fee is non-refundable, as it covers the administrative costs of evaluating and processing entries for the anthology.
Fantasy Short Story Competition Submission Form
Enter the Fantasy Short Story Competition Today!
The Fantasy Short Story Competition is your gateway to enchanting worlds and extraordinary adventures. Let your imagination soar as you craft a tale that transports readers beyond the ordinary and into the magical realms of CEA Past Your Reality.
Looking to Publish Your Fantasy Novel?
Do you have a fantasy novel ready to sweep readers off their feet? Submit your manuscript for publication with Celenic Earth Publications. We specialize in bringing fantastical stories to life and sharing them with readers around the globe. Visit our Fantasy Novel Submission Page to learn more and submit your manuscript today.