Welcome to the Spiritual Short Story Competition for CEA Beyond the Light, a celebration of stories that inspire, uplift, and explore the deeper meaning of life. This anthology invites writers to share tales of hope, faith, and the boundless strength of the human spirit.
We’re looking for stories that shine a light on the profound, whether through personal journeys, divine encounters, or reflections on resilience and purpose. From touching accounts of self-discovery to narratives that transcend the ordinary, your story should inspire readers to look beyond and embrace the extraordinary.
Submissions start in January and close on 31 July of each year, with selected stories earning their place in this enlightening collection. This anthology is set to be published toward the end of each year.
Illuminate the path, share your wisdom, and take us on a journey beyond the light. We can’t wait to be inspired by you in our Spiritual Short Story Competition!
CEA Short Story Competition Rules
Before submitting your entry for the Spiritual 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 Spiritual, Inspirational, and Religious Fiction
This genre explores themes of faith, hope, resilience, and the deeper meaning of life. Stories often inspire readers to reflect on their beliefs, values, and personal journeys. Below are some examples of subgenres you may explore for your submission. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list, and we welcome thoughtful and creative interpretations within the genre.
Examples of Spiritual/Inspirational/Religious Fiction Subgenres
- Faith-Based Fiction: Stories that explore the role of faith and religious practice in characters’ lives.
- Inspirational Fiction: Narratives focused on personal growth, triumph over adversity, and finding purpose.
- Parables and Allegories: Symbolic tales conveying moral or spiritual lessons.
- Miracle Stories: Fiction involving divine intervention or extraordinary spiritual experiences.
- Historical Religious Fiction: Stories set in religious contexts or exploring the history of faith traditions.
- Visionary Fiction: Narratives that delve into higher consciousness, spirituality, and metaphysical themes.
- Redemption Stories: Tales focusing on forgiveness, transformation, and the power of second chances.
- Multi-Faith Fiction: Stories exploring the intersection of different faiths and cultural perspectives.
This genre is a powerful vehicle for inspiring, uplifting, and engaging readers on a deep, emotional level. Whether your story reflects personal beliefs, universal truths, or the human quest for meaning, aim to leave readers with a sense of hope and enlightenment in our Spiritual Short Story Competition.
What Writers Should Focus On
The Spiritual Short Story Competition invites writers to craft stories that inspire, uplift, and delve into themes of faith, hope, and resilience. To make your submission stand out, here are some tips and insights to guide your writing:
1. Focus on Universal Themes
- Explore timeless themes like forgiveness, redemption, faith, love, or the search for meaning.
- Create narratives that resonate emotionally with readers from diverse backgrounds.
2. Develop Relatable Characters
- Craft characters who face personal struggles, moral dilemmas, or transformative journeys.
- Highlight their growth or spiritual awakening throughout the story.
3. Use Symbolism and Imagery
- Incorporate metaphors, symbols, or vivid imagery to deepen the emotional impact of your story.
- Let the environment and descriptions reflect the spiritual journey of your characters.
4. Stay Authentic
- Ensure your story feels genuine, whether it reflects personal beliefs, universal truths, or imaginative interpretations of spirituality.
- Avoid overly preachy tones; let the message unfold naturally through the narrative.
5. Show Conflict and Resolution
- Introduce challenges or conflicts that test your characters’ beliefs, resolve, or values.
- Conclude with a resolution that provides hope, closure, or an inspiring message.
6. Include a Message of Hope
- Leave readers with a sense of optimism, enlightenment, or new perspectives.
- Whether subtle or overt, ensure your message uplifts and inspires.
7. Embrace Diversity
- Consider multi-faith perspectives or spiritual journeys that reflect different cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
- Show how faith or spirituality connects us all in unique ways.
Focus on crafting a story that shines a light on the human spirit and leaves readers inspired. Take us on a journey Beyond the Light in the Spiritual Short Story Competition.
Submission Form and Fees
To submit your entry for the Spiritual 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.
Spiritual Short Story Competition Submission Form
Enter the Spiritual Short Story Competition Today!
The Spiritual Short Story Competition invites you to craft inspiring tales of hope, faith, and resilience. Illuminate the human spirit and touch the hearts of readers as part of CEA Beyond the Light, where storytelling transcends the ordinary.
Looking to Publish Your Spiritual Book?
Have a spiritual or inspirational book ready to share? Celenic Earth Publications is here to help you bring your uplifting story to life and connect with readers who seek meaning and inspiration. Visit our Spiritual Book Submission Page to learn more and submit your manuscript today.