📢 Risen Prose Update & Last Chance for the Short Story Contest! 📢

Okay, folks, here’s the scoop! We’ve had to make a tough call here at Owl Mountain Press. Due to fewer submissions than we’d hoped for, we’re delaying the debut of Rizen Prose until later this year (or even next). BUT don’t worry—we’re still moving forward with the Short Story Contest and it’s going to be epic! 🎉

Who’s the next debut author? Could it be you? 😏 The prizes have changed, however there is more we can offer. The top three winners will be featured on our blog and social media as a debut writers to watch.

The grand prize includes the chance to continue your story into a Novella, which we’ll publish for you—for FREE! Yep, you read that right, FREE! 🌟- Don’t want to continue the short story? That is okay too, pitch us a new idea for your debut novella.

A book bouquet will also be offered up to the grand prize winner. (Either for themselves or a loved one.)

The runners up will be offered a chance a discounts to publish unrelated works with Owl Mountain Press. 25% off on select packages for editing and design or a 50% off one of our main packages.

⏳ This is your last chance to enter the contest! The stakes have Rizen, and we’re not slowing down! Even though the magazine won’t debut until later, we’re buzzing to spotlight a fresh new voice in the literary world. If you’ve been thinking about entering, now is the time—don’t let this amazing opportunity slip away!

Here’s the opening paragraph:

The morning sunlight filtered through the half-drawn curtains, casting long, golden rays across the room. On the desk sat an unopened envelope with no return address, its edges slightly frayed as if it had traveled a great distance. As she reached for it, her hand trembled—she hadn’t received a letter in years, and somehow, she knew this one would change everything.

Now it’s your turn! Where does the story go from here? Who sent the letter, and what secrets does it hold? Unleash your creativity and show us your best work. The picture on this post is also tied to the writing prompt above for a visual aid to assist those who need it.

Submission Guidelines

• Deadline: February 28th, 2025
• Word Count: 1,000 to 3,000 words
• Format: Submit your story as a Word document or PDF.
• How to Submit: Email your entry to tellyourstory@owlmountainpress.com with the subject line: Writing Challenge Submission.

Now it’s your turn to take the story from here. Who sent the letter? What secrets does it hold? Unleash your creativity and give us your best work. 📝✨