The Cibola Citizen spends most of the year reporting the facts. This October, however, the newspaper is making a little room for ghosts, mysteries, adventures and the limitless possibilities of community imagination.
Writers of all ages are invited to submit original short fiction for possible publication in the Cibola Citizen throughout October.
Spooky stories are certainly welcome. October would feel incomplete without something lurking in the shadows, however, stories do not have to be frightening or related to Halloween. Stories may be funny, mysterious, heartfelt, historical, fantastical or simply unusual.
The purpose is to celebrate local creativity and give community members an opportunity to see their fiction published in their hometown newspaper.
Most submissions must be between 100 and 400 words. A limited number of longer stories, up to 800 words, may be selected for publication in the Oct. 28 Halloween edition.
All work must be original.
Submissions will be reviewed for suitability, and publication will depend upon quality and available space.
The newspaper may edit selected stories for spelling, grammar, clarity, length and newspaper style.
Fiction containing excessive violence, graphic sexual material, hate speech or malicious portrayals of identifiable people will not be published.
Writers should include their full name, community and reliable contact information. Students should also include their age or grade. Younger writers may be asked to provide contact information for a parent or guardian. Pen names may be considered for publication, but writers must identify themselves to the newspaper.
Every published selection will be clearly identified as fiction so there can be no confusion between community storytelling and the newspaper’s reported journalism.
Whether your story raises goosebumps, brings a laugh or carries readers somewhere entirely unexpected, the Cibola Citizen wants to read it.
Send submissions to Editor@ CibolaCitizen.com with “October Fiction” in the subject line.