Rehoboth Beach Short Story Contest
The popular Rehoboth Beach Reads Short Story Contest is now accepting submissions. The contest, which is in its sixth year, invites writers to submit short (500-3,500 word) “beach reads,” the kinds of stories people enjoy reading while on vacation. Each story must incorporate the year’s theme and have a connection to Rehoboth Beach (the writer does not have to live in Rehoboth). This year’s theme is “Beach Fun.” Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach is the sponsor for the contest, which offers a $500 cash prize for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. The top 20-25 stories chosen by a panel of judges will be included in the book Beach Fun, which will be published by Cat & Mouse Press by the end of the year. Contest guidelines and entry information are available at catandmousepress.com.
“We chose the theme ‘Beach Fun’ to give writers plenty of flexibility,” says contest organizer Nancy Sakaduski of Lewes-based Cat & Mouse Press. “Rehoboth offers so many ways to have fun. Stories could focus on romance, mystery, humor, family interactions, or just about anything,” she says, clarifying that the contest does not accept poetry, erotica, religious material, or stories for children. Every year the winners include several writers who have never been published before as well as some accomplished authors with many publication credits and awards.