Each entry must be original, unpublished fiction written by the submitting author.
Each entry must be written in English.
Each entry should include the theme of light and shadow in some way.
The name of the author must not be on the entry submitted so please check carefully to ensure it is removed. The author’s name will be captured by the form. All Minds Shine Bright competitions are blind judged so it’s important to that no names are included on the entry/s submitted.
There should be no brand references, no references to celebrities and, no references to material or people subject to copyright or music, musicians, or songs subject to copyright. There should be no references to people that are defamatory or could be perceived to be defamatory.
There should be no material submitted that is offensive or objectionable.
Entries that contain any of the above references or are considered to be offensive and/or objectional will be in breach of the competition rules and will be disqualified.
Each submission should be entered into one of four categories including: poetry, flash fiction, short stories, or script writing.
The closing date is Sunday 31st March 2024 at midnight
All prizes are awarded on literary merit. Cash prizes will be paid in Australian dollar value. A first prize of $500 will be awarded to the most outstanding piece of fiction or poetry overall. Second prize will receive $400, third prize will receive $300, fourth prize will receive $200. Commended entries will be awarded $100 each. Winning and commended entries will form the competition Shortlist and shortlisted entries will be published in the second Minds Shine Bright Seasons series anthology Light and Shadow. Each winning and commended entry author will receive a print copy and e-book of the Light and Shadow anthology. Longlisted entries will each receive Minds Shine Bright e-certificates of merit. Ten further entries will be awarded certificates of recognition and a small gift featuring the embroidered Minds Shine Bright logo. Additional prizes such as School Awards may be added at the Judge’s discretion. School Awards include certificates of merit for the group of students entered and may also include a two hour thematic writing workshop.
Word Limits
2500 for every category (except flash fiction. For flash fiction the limit is 1000 words. Once over this limit flash fiction is categorised as a short story)
Entries that do not meet word limits will be ineligible for prizes or publication.
There is no limit to the number of entries but each entry costs AU$5 and each new entry must be entered on a separate entry form. Only one piece of fiction or poetry can be submitted in an entry.
All cash prizes will be paid in Australian dollar value.
There is no age limit however if you are under 18 years of age parental consent is required as well as parent’s email and contact details.
Copyright remains with the author and the author grants permission for their work to be published in the Minds Shine Bright publication Light and Shadow Minds Shine Bright Seasons 2, on the MindsShineBright.com website and on social media and in other media and communications for future promotions of the competition. Australian Copyright Law applies.
Any entries which are deemed to be offensive, discriminatory, too graphic or do not meet community standards will be ineligible for prizes or publication.
The judge’s decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
Minds Shine Bright is not liable for late, lost, incomplete, invalid, incorrectly submitted entries, or illegible, corrupted, or misdirected entries.
Privacy. The personal information requested in the entry form is required primarily so that Minds Shine Bright can provide you with any prizes or competition updates, invite you to Awards and/or other online events related to this competition and communicate with you about your entry. Communications may include editing suggestions, publication proofs, contracts or other matters relating to your entry.
By entering the competition, entrants and or their parents/ legal guardians accept these terms and conditions of entry.