SEA CREATURES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you are unable to find the answer to your question in this FAQ, please email us at welcome@woodlandwriters.com
Your story must include:
A moon changes phase
A weaver
A song is sung
You have creative freedom in how you use the following prompts, but each prompt should be clearly recognizable in the story. If readers can’t identify the required elements, this will be reflected in your score.
Note: our judges look for prompts that are integral to the story.
GENERAL
Can I edit my story after I’ve submitted it?
Yes! You will be able to edit your submission until challenge end time. After this deadline, stories are final. Double-check for errors and ensure the story follows all guidelines before submitting.
Is any type of content banned?
Yes. We do not accept stories that promote and glorify harmful or bigoted rhetoric. If we receive a story like this, it will be immediately disqualified.
Can I use generative ai to help me write my story?
No. We do not accept stories written by AI, even partly. Your submission must be 100% written by you and if applicable, a co-author (a human one).
Can I submit fanfic?
No. For this challenge we are not recognizing fanfic. This is because not all of our readers will have read the original series and therefore wouldn’t understand the full context of the characters.
Can I post my story on social media after I submit it?
You may not share the title of your story with any of the review panel or on social media before the results are announced. This is to ensure that the judging process remains strictly anonymous.
I’ve never written fantasy before. What do I need to include?
Your story must include elements of the fantasy genre. For example, epic themes, mythical creatures, magic systems, world-building, quests, fantastic objects, mythology, etc.
Can I adopt a portion of my novel-in-progress to be a short story for this challenge?
Your story short must be written specifically for this challenge. If you want to use the same world and characters from your novel, you are welcome to do so.
Can I submit multiple entries?
No, only one entry per writer.
Do I have to include all three prompts in my story?
Yes!
Can my story be part of a larger novel or series?
Yes, but it should be a self-contained, stand alone story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Readers should not need to read other works to understand it.
Can I write in first-person or third-person?
You’re free to use any POV (point of view) that best fits your story and characters.
Can I mix fantasy subgenres?
Absolutely! You can explore high fantasy, urban fantasy, historical fantasy, dark fantasy, or any blend that fits your vision.
Can I use characters and worlds from past challenges?
Yes! However this story needs to be written during the week of the challenge, and must read as a stand alone short story vs part of a larger project.
Should we include trigger warnings?
Yes, there will be an option to add these when you submit your story.
How specific should trigger warnings be?
You do not have to be overly specific, general trigger warnings for common triggers will do.
Can I have someone read/review my work before submitting?
Yes, you can have friends review your submission, so long as none of them are a reader/reviewer for this challenge.
FORMATTING
What is the word count requirement for the challenge?
Your story must be a maximum of 2,000 words. This does not include the title and synopsis. There is no minimum.
How strict are you on the word count?
Strict! A story will not qualify if it exceeds 2000 words, excluding the title page and synopsis.
What word counter do you use?
We check word counts in Google Docs.
Can I include page numbers?
Yes.
What goes on the title page?
Just your title and a short synopsis. NOT YOUR NAME.
Can I use a unique font for the title page?
Yes, just make sure it is still legible.
Can I add artwork to the title page?
Yes. This will not impact your score and is just for fun!
Can I add character art?
For this challenge we ask that you do not submit additional artwork.
Does my title page count toward the 2,000 word limit?
No.
What DOES count toward the 2,000 word limit?
Everything after your title page counts. That includes glossaries, poems, opening quotes, footnotes, anecdotes. Be as creative with these elements as you’d like, just do so within the word limit.
Can I include a glossary?
Sure! It WILL count toward your 2,000 word limit.
Can i include a dedication?
Sure! Add this to the title page and it will not count toward the word limit.
Can I include a map?
You can include a map that takes up no more than 1 full page. This will not impact your score and is just for fun!
What size/font should I use?
12 pt font. Acceptable fonts are: Times New Roman, Garamond, Courier, or New Courier.
What type of file should I save my story as?
Your file should be saved as a pdf.
What size spacing should I use?
Please use double-spacing.
How should I name my file?
The name of your file should be the title of your short story. DO NOT include your name in the file name. This is to ensure that we keep submissions anonymous for our readers. For example, if the title of your story is “Wicked,” your file should look like this: wicked.pdf. Do not worry, we will be able to cross-reference your story back to you after all of the judging is complete.
THEME
Does the sea creature have to spend most of its life in the ocean?
No.
Do freshwater creatures count?
The creature should predominantly be a saltwater creature, but it is allowed to live in both saltwater and freshwater.
Can tracks, nests, eggs, shells, or remains count?
Yes, anything that assumes the presence of the sea creature will count.
Can stories, legends, paintings, or carvings of sea creatures count?
Yes, anything that assumes the presence of the sea creature will count.
Can I make up my own sea creature?
Yes! Get creative.
MOON PHASE CHANGES
Does the moon phase need to physically change during the timeframe of the story?
No. The moon phase change can be referenced from a historical event.
Does the change need to be observed by a character?
Not necessarily!
Does the moon itself need to appear on-page?
No.
Does the exact phase need to be named (full moon, crescent, etc.)?
No, different worlds might have different ways of recognizing moon phases.
Does an eclipse count as a moon phase change?
Yes, that counts!
Does magical alteration of the moon count?
Yes!
Does it have to happen to a literal moon in the sky?
No, you have creative freedom which ‘moon’ changes phase.
A WEAVER
Must the character's occupation be weaving?
No, they do not need to be a weaver in occupation as long as they are a weaver in practice.
Does the character need to be explicitly called a weaver?
Not necessarily, as long as it is apparent to the reader that they are a weaver of sorts.
Can they simply be shown weaving?
Yes.
Can they be an apprentice weaver rather than a master weaver?
Yes.
Does the weaver need to be a major character?
No, but they should be impactful to the story.
Does the weaver need to weave cloth or textiles?
No, get creative! Weaving can be literal or metaphorical
Does magical weaving count?
Yes!
Does someone who once worked as a weaver still count?
Yes.
A SONG IS SUNG
Must a character sing aloud on-page?
Not necessarily, get creative!
Can the song be partially sung?
Sure!
Must lyrics appear in the story?
No.
Can the song be described rather than quoted?
Yes.
Must a human character sing it?
No!
Can a group sing together?
Yes.
Can a recording be played instead of a live performance?
Yes.