The 2015 Seton High School Short Story Contest

Seton Home Study School promotes excellence in academic writing, and we also wish to encourage excellence in creative writing. Therefore, we are announcing a 2015-16 Catholic short story contest for Seton high school students.

An Era of Short Stories

The culture of America in the 1930s and 40s fostered Catholic short stories. Engaging stories about priests, religious, the laity, and the sacraments abounded. In a notable story of the period, a delinquent boy had an experience of grace that showed him the pain his lifestyle caused his mother. In another, a monk’s perspective was deepened by observing the charity of a fellow brother. One story featured a young boy who, with the help of a humorous confessor, learned respect for the priesthood and confession. We wish to encourage stories of this type in our time. The broad parameters of this contest are that the stories should feature Catholic values, beliefs, or sacraments. Additionally, stories should have character development; that is, the main character should grow or mature in some way in the story. Stories should not be fantastical but should be based in occurrences that could happen in real life. The prize is $100. Submissions will be judged by grade level: freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. One winner will be named for each grade level, though if no story of distinction is found in a particular grade level, that level may be without a winner. The deadline is extended from December 31st to January 31st, 2016 to allow students time to write stories of true craftsmanship. May the inspiration of the Holy Spirit be with all entrants.

Submission Topic

Must include and relate to:

• Catholic values, beliefs, or sacraments
• real life situations
• character development

Prizes

First place prize: $100 One first place winner for each grade level. Grades included are 9-12.

How the Entries Will be Judged

We have constructed a handy Guide to Writing Short Stories for you. Make sure you review it well so that your story has all the elements of a quality story. All entries will be judged by

1. how they have adhered to the theme and guidelines of this contest.
2. the quality of the submission – expression, use of language, spelling and grammar.

If a story doesn’t meet these two basic requirements, it will not advance to the final judging rounds.

Contest Judges

Members of the Seton staff will be the judges.

Submission Details

Max Length: 5000 words Deadline:  January 31st, 2016