Continuing our cutting edge approach to the short story we are pleased to announce the Stringybark Erotic Fiction Award 2011 for a short story of 2000 words or fewer that deals with an erotic theme.

Human intimacy and sexual arousal are an intrinsic part of the lives of most adults and yet it is rarely written about in any meaningful way. Most writing about human sexuality is either prurient or ‘fumbling behind the bikeshed’ titillation. Even some of the world’s best writers stumble when trying to write about sex. Have a look at this article from the BBC to see how some great writers struggle with erotica.

However, don’t let this get in the way of having a go!

The challenge for the short story writer is to capture the excitement, pleasure and meaning of human intimacy and sexual relationships in very few words. But writing erotica is not merely a descriptive exercise but an exercise that should also excite the reader.

Erotica remains a contentious area of writing. What is one person’s erotica is another person’s pornography. Some writers feel that they don’t want their name linked to erotic writing. That’s okay with us. On the entry cover sheet, there is room for you to use a pseudonym (a pen name) if you so wish.

To assist you in writing your erotic short story, here are some content guidelines from the judges (please read these as well as the Entry Conditions):

✦ Don’t involve any characters under the age of consent (16 in Australia);

✦ Avoid degrading and/or violent activities;

✦ Think sensual and sexy;

✦ All the elements of a good short story should still be present. Don’t throw good writing technique out the window just to get to the climax!

The Stringybark Erotic Fiction Award 2011 will be presented to the writer whose story entertains the judges the most. International entries are most welcome.

The Stringybark Erotic Fiction Award 2011 offers the winner A$300 cash, a certificate, publication and a free copy of the anthology. The second prize winner receives A$150 cash, a certificate, publication and a free e-book and the third prize winner receives A$50 cash, a certificate, publication and a free e-book. Authors of highly commended stories may also be invited to have their stories published.

There is an entry fee of $9.50 for one story, $17 for two stories or $22.50 for a maximum of three stories.

Stories must be sent via email. Closing date for entries is 7 August 2011. Winners will be notified by 7 October 2011.

http://www.stringybarkstories.net/
http://www.stringybarkstories.net/The ... c_Fiction_Award_2011.html

Click on the link above and go to the contest official site