Welcome to the Biographical Short Story Competition for CEA Through Their Eyes, a collection dedicated to the stories that shape lives and reveal the world through personal experiences. This anthology invites writers to share authentic and compelling narratives that offer unique insights into real lives and events.
We’re seeking stories that delve into the triumphs, challenges, and defining moments of individuals. Whether it’s a poignant tale of personal growth, a riveting account of historical significance, or an intimate portrait of an extraordinary life, your story should capture the essence of humanity in its raw and unfiltered form.
Submissions start in January and close on 31 July of each year, with selected stories earning their place in this unforgettable collection. This anthology is set to be published toward the end of each year.
Step into someone else’s world and share their story through their eyes. We’re eager to experience your vision with our Biographical Short Story Competition!
CEA Short Story Competition Rules
Before submitting your entry for the Biographical 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 Competition 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. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Subgenres of Biographical Fiction
Biographical fiction offers a unique blend of fact and imagination, bringing the lives of real or inspired-by-real-life individuals to vivid life. Below are some examples of biographical fiction subgenres you may explore for your submission. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage creative and thoughtful approaches within the genre.
Examples of Biographical Fiction Subgenres
- Historical Biographical Fiction: Stories based on real historical figures or events, dramatized with fictional elements.
- Contemporary Biographical Fiction: Narratives inspired by modern-day individuals or recent events.
- Memoir-Inspired Fiction: Stories loosely based on the author’s life but fictionalized for narrative impact.
- Fictionalized Autobiography: First-person accounts blending real experiences with creative storytelling.
- Alternate Biographies: “What if” scenarios imagining alternate outcomes or paths for real-life individuals.
- Portrait Fiction: Focused explorations of a specific moment or relationship in a person’s life.
- Group Biographies: Tales weaving together the lives of multiple individuals connected by a common thread.
- Cultural Biographical Fiction: Stories highlighting the lives of individuals who shaped or were shaped by specific cultural contexts.
Biographical fiction allows readers to connect with the human experience in deeply personal ways. Whether you’re reimagining history, exploring contemporary lives, or crafting a fictionalized memoir, aim to tell a story that resonates and inspires in our Biographical Short Story Competition.
What Writers Should Focus On
The Biographical Short Story Competition invites writers to explore the lives of real or inspired-by-real-life individuals, delving into their triumphs, challenges, and defining moments. To make your submission stand out, here are some tips and insights to guide your storytelling:
1. Focus on Authenticity
- Capture the essence of the individual’s life with accuracy and respect, whether fictionalized or based on real events.
- Highlight pivotal moments that define their journey and character.
2. Show, Don’t Just Tell
- Use vivid descriptions, dialogue, and action to immerse readers in the person’s experiences.
- Let readers feel the emotions and struggles of your subject rather than simply narrating their story.
3. Develop Emotional Depth
- Explore the motivations, fears, and aspirations of the central figure.
- Highlight universal themes like perseverance, love, loss, or redemption to connect with readers.
4. Contextualize the Setting
- Place the individual’s story within the broader historical, cultural, or social context.
- Show how the environment shaped their choices and challenges.
5. Balance Fact and Fiction
- If fictionalizing a real person’s story, ensure the narrative remains respectful and grounded in truth.
- Use creative liberties to enhance the emotional or thematic resonance of the tale.
6. Highlight Unique Perspectives
- Focus on lesser-known aspects of the person’s life or experiences that provide fresh insights.
- Avoid overdone narratives by exploring untold or overlooked stories.
7. Leave a Lasting Impression
- End with a moment that encapsulates the individual’s legacy, impact, or personal growth.
- Ensure readers walk away feeling inspired or deeply moved by the story.
Focus on creating a narrative that reflects the complexity and beauty of the human experience. Take readers Through Their Eyes in the Biographical Short Story Competition.
Submission Form and Fees
To submit your entry for the Biographical 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.
Biographical Short Story Competition Submission Form
Enter the Biographical Short Story Competition Today!
The Biographical Short Story Competition invites you to share compelling narratives that explore the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals. Bring history and personal journeys to life in CEA Through Their Eyes, and captivate readers with your storytelling.
Looking to Publish Your Non-Fiction Book?
Have a non-fiction or biographical book ready to share with the world? Celenic Earth Publications is here to help you tell these stories and connect with readers who seek inspiration and insight.Visit our Non-Fiction Book Submission Page to learn more and submit your manuscript today.