Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Contest

This annual writing contest seeks to nurture and recognize the creativity and talent of young writers in the Tampa Bay area. It was established to encourage aspiring authors to explore the genres of science fiction and fantasy and to experiment with the short story format. Awards are presented annually at the Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading.

Tampa Bay-area high school students are invited to submit original, unpublished short stories on the theme of “Mars – the Red Planet.” 2020-2021 judges include Hugo Award-winning author Mary Robinette Kowal, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author and NASA Mars mission scientist Geoff Landis, and Sidewise Award-winning author, editor and educator Rick Wilber.

Entries are judged by a panel of experts including professional fantasy and science fiction authors and editors. 2020-2021 judges include Hugo Award-winning author Mary Robinette Kowal, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author and NASA Mars mission scientist Geoff Landis, and Sidewise Award-winning author, editor and educator Rick Wilber.

The contest is open to all students over the age of 13 in grades 9-12 in public, private and home schools in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties. The deadline for entry is May 10, 2021.

Free admission: There is no fee to enter and no limit to the number of stories a student may submit.