Genre: Fiction

Love Triangle

4.15.26

Stories that revolve around a love triangle often presume the presence of would-be binaries: a hero and a villain, the righteous and the evil, the good and the bad. But what happens when the roles are blurred and no one is out to hurt the other? In Ida Lupino’s 1953 drama The Bigamist and the recent dark comedy television series DTF St. Louis, the focus is on the humanity of all three characters within their marriages and the ambiguity of their actions. Taking a cue from the sympathetic nature of these characters, write a short story that involves a love triangle that is similarly even-keeled. How can you experiment with point of view, humor, or dramatic circumstances to create a narrative in which all members of the triangle are imbued with equally powerful traits of complexity and pathos?

Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined

Caption: 

In this trailer for PBS’s American Masters documentary Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined, the life and work of the acclaimed Dominican American poet and novelist is explored through interviews, photographs, and archives. A profile of Alvarez about her new poetry collection, Visitations (Knopf, 2026), appears in the May/June 2026 issue of Poets & Writers Magazine.

Halifax Ranch Fiction Prize

American Short Fiction
Entry Fee: 
$20
Deadline: 
June 1, 2026
A prize of $2,500 and publication in American Short Fiction is given annually for a short story. The winner also receives a weeklong, all-expenses-paid writing retreat at the Tasajillo Residency in Kyle, Texas. Using only the online submission system, submit a story of 2,000 to 6,500 words with a $20 entry fee, which includes a copy of the prize issue, by June 1. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

National Book Awards

National Book Foundation
Entry Fee: 
$135
Deadline: 
May 13, 2026
Four prizes of $10,000 each are given annually for books of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and young people’s literature written by U.S. writers and published in the United States during the previous year. A $10,000 prize is also given for an English translation of a book of fiction or nonfiction by a living writer and translator published in the United States during the previous year. Finalists in all categories receive $1,000 each. Using the online submission form, publishers may submit titles published or scheduled for publication between December 1, 2025, and November 30, 2026, with a $135 entry fee per title by May 13. Additionally, a digital copy and six hard copies (or bound galleys) of the books must be submitted to the judges and the National Book Foundation by June 5. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Grants for Artist Projects

Artist Trust
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
June 22, 2026
Grants of $2,500 each are given annually to poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers who are residents of Washington State. Students enrolled in a degree-granting program are ineligible. Using only the online submission system, submit a writing sample of up to 10 pages of poetry, prose, or hybrid-genre work with a project description, a statement about how funding will support the progress of the work, and a brief bio by June 22. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

New American Fiction Prize

New American Press
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
June 15, 2026
A prize of $1,500, publication by New American Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a book of fiction. Keith Rosson will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a story collection, a novella or collection of novellas, a novel, or hybrid work of at least 100 pages with a $25 entry fee by June 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Bard Fiction Prize

Bard College
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
June 1, 2026
A prize of $30,000 and a one-semester appointment as writer-in-residence at Bard College is given annually to a fiction writer under the age of 40. The winner must give at least one public lecture and meet informally with students but is not expected to teach traditional courses. Submit three copies of a published book of fiction, a cover letter, and a curriculum vitae by June 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

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