Welcome to the Romance Short Story Competition for CEA Into the Heart, a celebration of love in all its forms. This anthology invites writers to craft heartfelt tales that explore the beauty, passion, and complexity of human relationships.
We’re seeking stories that dive deep into the essence of romance, whether through tender moments, fiery passions, or love’s bittersweet twists. From timeless love stories and modern romances to unique connections that defy the odds, your story should capture the emotional journey that pulls at the heartstrings.
Submissions start in January and close on 31 July of each year, with selected stories earning their place in this captivating collection. This anthology is set to be published toward the end of each year.
Share your love story and take us into the heart. We can’t wait to fall for your tale in our Romance Short Story Competition!
CEA Short Story Competition Rules
Before submitting your entry for the Romance 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 Romance
Romance fiction captures the beauty, complexity, and emotional depth of love. Below are some examples of romance subgenres you may explore for your submission. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and we encourage you to craft stories that push the boundaries of love and relationships within the genre.
Examples of Romance Subgenres
- Contemporary Romance: Modern-day love stories with relatable characters and real-world settings.
- Historical Romance: Tales of love set in bygone eras, blending romance with rich historical detail.
- Paranormal Romance: Stories featuring supernatural elements like vampires, werewolves, or ghosts entwined with romance.
- Romantic Suspense: Thrilling tales combining romance with mystery, danger, or intrigue.
- Erotic Romance: Love stories with explicit, passionate, and sensual elements.
- Fantasy Romance: Stories blending love and magic in fantastical worlds.
- LGBTQ+ Romance: Narratives exploring love within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Second-Chance Romance: Tales of rekindled love, forgiveness, and rediscovered passion.
- Enemies-to-Lovers: Stories where initial hostility blossoms into an unexpected romance.
- Forbidden Romance: Love stories exploring relationships that defy societal or personal boundaries.
Romance is a genre that thrives on emotion, connection, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether your tale is sweet, steamy, or bittersweet, focus on creating characters and relationships that readers will fall in love with in our Romance Short Story Competition.
What Writers Should Focus On
The Romance Short Story Competition encourages writers to explore the beauty, complexity, and emotional depth of love in its many forms. To make your submission stand out, here are some tips and insights to guide your storytelling:
1. Develop Compelling Relationships
- Create authentic and relatable relationships with meaningful connections between characters.
- Highlight the emotional growth, challenges, or sacrifices that bring your characters closer together.
2. Focus on Emotional Resonance
- Dive into the emotions of love, passion, heartbreak, or longing to create a strong emotional impact.
- Let readers feel the highs and lows of your characters’ journey.
3. Build Tension and Chemistry
- Show how the relationship develops over time, including moments of tension, conflict, or misunderstandings.
- Use dialogue, gestures, and subtle actions to convey romantic chemistry.
4. Explore Unique Scenarios
- Avoid clichés by placing your characters in fresh, unexpected situations or settings.
- Explore themes like forbidden love, second chances, or love against the odds with a new twist.
5. Show Character Growth
- Focus on how the romance helps your characters grow as individuals and overcome personal obstacles.
- Show how love transforms their perspectives, priorities, or understanding of themselves.
6. Use a Captivating Setting
- Place your story in a setting that enhances the romance, whether it’s a bustling city, a quiet countryside, or a fantastical world.
- Use the environment to reflect or contrast the emotions of your characters.
7. End with Impact
- Deliver a resolution that leaves readers satisfied, whether it’s a happily-ever-after, a bittersweet parting, or an open-ended conclusion.
- Ensure the ending aligns with the emotional tone and journey of your story.
Focus on crafting a heartfelt story that explores the power and complexity of love. Take readers Into the Heart in the Romance Short Story Competition.
Submission Form and Fees
To submit your entry for the Romance 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 [genre title] anthology.
Romance Short Story Competition Submission Form
Enter the Romance Short Story Competition Today!
The Romance Short Story Competition invites you to explore the beauty and complexity of love through heartfelt storytelling. Create compelling tales of passion, connection, and emotion as part of CEA Into the Heart, and let your story resonate with readers everywhere.
Looking to Publish Your Romance Novel?
Have a romance novel ready to sweep readers off their feet? Celenic Earth Publications is here to help you share your love story with the world.
Visit our Romance Novel Submission Page to learn more and submit your manuscript today.