From fiction to poetry and everything in between, this new writing contest from our partners at Short Édition
is an opportunity for you to have your voice heard – standing against racism and supporting equity by responding to the theme of “America: color it in.” All of the selected works will be published in our Short Story Dispensers (and other dispensers across the nation and around the world too!). #SetStoriesFree

From July 4th to August 4th, we invite all Americans to submit a short story, poem, or piece of creative nonfiction speaking to the theme of America: color it in. We’re looking for all different kinds of stories, whether you decide to write about what your America is, how you live or see its past, how you hope for its future, the little bits of mundanity that color in your daily life, a flashing moment that defines you or your voice today. From sci-fi to romance to literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, magical realism, and everything in between, we want it all. We want the story you wish to tell, exactly the way you wish to tell it.

All submissions will be published on the contest website throughout the duration of the contest. One juried winner, one public winner, and one juried runner-up in each category will receive $100.00 to be donated to an organization of their choice that fights against racism or for equality. All selected works will then be published in our 300+ Short Story Dispensers across the nation and around the world. We want to bring individual voices out into the forefront, to new audiences. Let the Dispensers be a megaphone. Because ignorance is not bliss. We are better together. It’s time to challenge the status quo; to challenge ourselves. It’s time to color it in.