Crafting Powerful Short Stories
Short.Sharp.Stories invites submissions for their new POWER anthology.
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Q&A with Joanne Hichens: Lighting the Dark with Powerful Stories
Q: Short.Sharp.Stories has become a significant platform for South African writers. Can you tell us about its history?
A: Short.Sharp.Stories has been championing South African short fiction for a decade now. We’ve published award-winning anthologies, each focusing on themes that resonate with our national identity and experiences. Our past collections have explored themes like love, crime, innovation, and fluidity, featuring both established authors and exciting new voices. Through these anthologies, we’ve helped launch several writing careers and created a vital platform for South African storytelling.
Q: The anthology theme ‘Light the Dark’ focuses on POWER. Can you elaborate on this creative direction?
A: We’re looking at POWER in all its manifestations – from the literal to the metaphorical. This could be the power of speech, speed, electricity, or creation. The theme ties deeply into South Africa’s 30-year democracy celebration, exploring both the triumphs and challenges of empowerment. We’re seeking stories that illuminate these aspects with fresh, compelling narratives. Of course, power can also lead to corruption. And we’re open to read stories that explore the underbelly of power.
Q: How does this anthology connect to South Africa’s 30 years of democracy?
A: This anthology is our way of marking a crucial milestone in South African history. We’re interested in stories that reflect on what these three decades of democracy have meant for South Africans – both the achievements and the ongoing challenges. The theme of POWER – “Amandla!” – the mighty lion’s roar! resonates deeply with our democratic journey.
Q: What kinds of stories have succeeded in past Short.Sharp.Stories anthologies?
A: Our most successful submissions have always been those that combine strong storytelling with unique perspectives. We’ve published everything from intimate personal narratives to stories that underscore broader social issues. The common thread is authentic voices telling compelling stories that engage with our themes in unexpected ways. Previous winning stories have ranged from powerful family dramas to innovative social satires.
Q: What makes a submission stand out for Short.Sharp.Stories?
A: We’re looking for stories with a strong narrative drive that capture the reader’s attention and maintain it throughout. While the theme is POWER, we want writers to interpret this creatively and personally. The best submissions will combine strong narrative drive with thoughtful engagement with the theme. We particularly value fresh perspectives and voices that contribute to South Africa’s diverse literary landscape.
Q: What’s the judging process like?
A: First, stories are read anonymously. Each submission is then carefully evaluated by our experienced editorial team. We look for technical excellence in writing, creative interpretation of the theme, and that indefinable quality that makes a story memorable. The judging process involves multiple rounds of reading and discussion to ensure we select the strongest possible collection that represents various aspects of our theme. We are also aware of the fact that strong storytellers have at times been disadvantaged and that even if English useage is not literary, in the true sense of the word, what we are looking for is ‘voice’ and authenticity.
Q: Can you share the key submission details for interested writers?
A: Absolutely. Writers should submit stories between 3,000 and 5,000 words by January 31, 2025, at 12 pm. The winning story receives R10,000, and all published contributors receive R2,500. Stories must be in English, and the competition is open to South African citizens and permanent residents.
Q: How can writers ensure their submissions meet all requirements?
A: Writers need to follow our formatting guidelines: Word Document, 12pt Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing. Your name should only appear on a cover page, not in the story itself. Importantly, don’t forget to download and complete the mandatory submission form. All submissions should be emailed to shortsharpstoriesPOWER@gmail.com.
Q: How can writers stay updated on this and future Short.Sharp.Stories initiatives?
A: We recommend following our social media channels, specifically Facebook, and joining the webinar where we’ll share more about our future plans. The webinar is also an excellent opportunity to connect with our community of writers and learn about other writing opportunities in South Africa.
Links:
Download the flyer for full information about POWER here
Download the mandatory entry form for POWER here
Follow Short.Sharp.Stories on Facebook here
