Welcome to the Historical Short Story Competition for CEA Across the Ages – a celebration of stories that transport readers through time! This anthology seeks to showcase the rich tapestry of historical fiction, bringing to life compelling narratives set in eras gone by.
We invite writers to explore the echoes of the past, crafting tales that delve into history’s mysteries, triumphs, and tragedies. Whether your story unfolds in ancient civilisations, medieval kingdoms, or the 20th century, we’re looking for vivid, immersive storytelling that captures the spirit of the times.
Each volume in our historical anthology series will be published towards the year, with all submissions due by 31 July. Selected stories will be featured in the anthology, marking the beginning of an exciting journey through history’s many chapters.
Join us in creating a literary time capsule that will endure for generations with our Historical Short Story Competition!
CEA Short Story Competition Rules
Before submitting your entry for the Historical 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. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Subgenres of Historical Fiction
Historical fiction offers a rich tapestry of storytelling opportunities, blending imagination with the past. Below are some examples of subgenres you may explore for your submission. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome creativity within the bounds of historical storytelling.
Examples of Historical Fiction Subgenres
- Biographical Historical Fiction: Stories inspired by or dramatizing the lives of historical figures.
- Historical Romance: Love stories set against the backdrop of significant historical events or eras.
- War Fiction: Narratives centered on wartime experiences, from the battlefield to the home front.
- Alternate History: Reimagining history with “what if” scenarios, exploring alternate outcomes of real events.
- Cultural Historical Fiction: Stories that delve into the traditions, customs, and daily lives of people in historical settings.
- Mystery Historical Fiction: Whodunits or intrigue-based stories set in the past, often involving period-specific challenges.
- Adventure Historical Fiction: Exciting tales of exploration, conquest, or survival in historical contexts.
We encourage you to think creatively and immerse your readers in the chosen historical period with our Historical Short Story Competition. Whether you’re revisiting a well-known event or uncovering a lesser-explored era, bring history to life with vivid details and compelling characters.
What Writers Should Focus On
The Historical Short Story Competition invites writers to transport readers to another time, bringing history to life with vivid storytelling. To make your submission stand out, here are some tips and insights to guide your writing:
1. Research and Accuracy
- Ensure your story is grounded in historical facts. Accuracy in dates, events, and cultural details adds credibility and richness to your narrative.
- Use authentic dialogue and period-specific language to immerse readers in the era.
2. Vivid World-Building
- Paint a detailed picture of the historical setting—describe the architecture, clothing, landscapes, and everyday life of the time.
- Let readers feel as if they are living in that period, experiencing the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the world you create.
3. Relatable Characters
- Develop characters with depth, motivations, and conflicts that resonate emotionally with readers.
- Show how the historical context influences your characters’ decisions, struggles, and growth.
4. Balancing History and Fiction
- Weave historical details seamlessly into the story without overwhelming the narrative. The history should enhance the plot, not overshadow it.
- Feel free to fictionalize minor details, but avoid altering significant historical events unless your story ventures into alternate history.
5. Conflict and Tension
- Create a compelling plot with clear stakes, challenges, or moral dilemmas.
- Explore how historical events or societal norms impact your characters’ actions and choices.
6. Unique Perspectives
- Consider telling stories from underrepresented voices or perspectives. This could include exploring lesser-known events or focusing on marginalized communities within historical contexts.
7. Lingering Impact
- Leave readers with something to ponder—a strong emotional connection, a thought-provoking theme, or a new perspective on history.
Focus on crafting a story that combines rich historical detail with compelling characters and narratives. Let your creativity shine as you bring history to life in your submission to the Historical Short Story Competition.
Submission Form and Fees
To submit your entry for the Historical 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 Short Story Competitions page to understand the costs and rules.
Payment Process
After completing the Historical Short Story Competition 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.
Historical Short Story Competition Submission Form
Enter the Historical Short Story Competition Today!
The Historical Short Story Competition is your opportunity to bring history to life and share your storytelling talent with readers worldwide. Whether your tale explores forgotten eras, vivid events, or captivating characters, we look forward to experiencing your creative vision in CEA Across the Ages.
Looking to Publish Your Historical Novel?
If you have a historical novel ready for the world, why not submit it for publication? Celenic Earth Publications offers a professional and personalized publishing experience to bring your story to readers globally. Visit our Historical Fiction Novel Submission Page to learn more and submit your manuscript today.