Rules

There are just five rules to remember before you start composing a story for an Online Contest, and a couple of extra rules if you want to have a go at submitting a Secret Story.  Here we go:

1) Stories have to be precisely fifty words each. Not 49, not 52, but fifty.

2) Keep swearing to a minimum, this site is intended for readers and writers of all ages. Let’s call it a non-gratuitous cuss code.

3) In fact, if the content is in anyway akin to that of an 18-certificate or R-rated film, then it’s not for here. So, although we’re not advocating an utterly meek and prim demeanor, let’s keep super-violence, sex, drugs, et al. for other creative outlets. This is flash—not slash—fiction, folks.

4) No defamation or prejudice of any person, religion, race, country, etc, be they real or imaginary. Unless they’re someone who’s been nominated for the Darwin Awards. (Just kidding—not even them.)

5) If you upload or send us your story to publish, then you are allowing us to use it and sell it (naming you as author) elsewhere, without any financial or other return. Although there might be returns. We’re working on it.

6) To be considered for Secret Story submissions, your story needs to be based on something that can be listed under one of the following categories:

• Humans (eg, man, woman, baby, or postman, accountant, etc)
• Animals & Birds & Fish
• Food & Drink
• Everyday Objects

We have a List of 101 Subjects if that would help get your imagination going…

7) Again, for Secret Stories only, the title of your story has to be the word on which your story is based. For example: Suitcase, or Peg-Leg, or Baseball.

That’s all the heavy stuff, otherwise let’s keep it light. Happy writing…