Shepherd University's Appalachian Heritage Literary Project announces the West Virginia Fiction Competition, a literary competition to encourage writers and storytellers, whose talent and ability in creative writing is distinctive and promising, and to foster an appreciation of Appalachian culture and values represented in the diverse writing of the region. Submissions are encouraged from any resident of West Virginia or student in West Virginia who meets the criteria below. Click here to view a list of past Fiction Competition winners.

Who can submit? Any resident of West Virginia or student attending school in West Virginia.

What are the limitations upon submissions? Any original, unpublished work of fiction, between 500 and 2,500 words, one submission only. The submission may not have received any other award, recognition, or special honor.

What is the deadline for submissions? May 1, 2008.

Where should submissions be mailed?
West Virginia Fiction Competition
Department of English
Shepherd University
P.O. Box 3210
Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Electronic submissions should be sent to bfeltner@shepherd.edu.

What should accompany submissions? The application form below.

What prize will be awarded? $500.00 and possible publication.

Who will select the fiction contest winner? A panel of writers, editors, and creative writing instructors will choose finalists, and the 2008 Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence, Adriana Trigiani, will select first, second, and third place winners from these finalists. The first place winner will receive the West Virginia Fiction Award and accompanying $500 prize on the night of Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at the Appalachian Heritage Awards Presentation; and the winning story will be read at the Appalachian Heritage Festival Concert the following night. Both events are part of the 2008 AHWIR residency: "The Voice of 'Ferriner': The Fiction and Film of Adriana Trigiani." Ms. Trigiani will present the awards and offer story critiques to the competition finalists. First, second, and third place prize winners will dine with Ms. Trigiani on the evening of the awards. The fiction competition is supported by the West Virginia Center for the Book and the Shepherd University Foundation.

When will the winner be notified? August 1, 2008

West Virginia Fiction Competition

Name:________________________________________________________________________

Title of Submission:____________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________

E-mail:____________________ Phone:_____________________

Brief Biography (limit 100 words):________________________________________________