Genre: Fiction

Diasporic Vietnamese Artists Network: Legacies Reading

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In this Green Apple Books event, the Diasporic Vietnamese Artists Network (DVAN) presents a night of readings featuring writers François Luong, Aimee Phan, Minnie Phan, and Thien Pham, sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library and San Francisco Arts Commission.

The Clash

12.10.25

In many holiday movies and holiday-themed episodes of popular TV series, a clashing of traditions stands as a focal point: the combination of Christmas and Hanukkah in The O.C.’s “Chrismukkah” episodes; the tension between older and younger generations in Home for the Holidays; attending extravagant and polished parties while withholding truths in Metropolitan and Happiest Season; and the uncomfortableness of houseguests in The Family Stone and Happy Christmas. Write a short story in which these differences come to a head because of a newly enmeshed relationship, whether that be between housemates, a romantic couple, in-laws, or different sides of the family. How do your characters’ personalities reveal themselves over the course of the narrative? Consider the ways you might craft the story to demonstrate how multiple layers of power dynamics operate in both blatant and subtle ways.

Caine Prize for African Writing

Caine Prize for African Writing
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
February 27, 2026

A prize of £10,000 (approximately $13,323) is given annually for a previously published short story by a writer of African descent.

Bryan Washington: Palaver

Caption: 

In this episode of Poured Over: The Barnes & Noble Podcast hosted by Miwa Messer, Bryan Washington speaks about how his experiences in Tokyo and Osaka informed his latest novel, Palaver (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2025), and how third-person narratives reflect the estrangement of being in a different country.

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Balcones Prizes

Austin Community College
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
January 31, 2026

Three prizes of $1,500 each are given annually for a poetry collection, a book of fiction, and a book of creative nonfiction published during the previous year. Authors or publishers may submit three copies of a book published in 2025 (poetry collections must be at least 42 pages in length) by January 31. The entry fee is $25 for poetry and $30 for fiction and creative nonfiction. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Nimrod Literary Awards

Nimrod International Journal
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
January 31, 2026

Two prizes of $2,000 each and publication in Nimrod International Journal are given annually for a poem or group of poems and a work of fiction. A runner-up in each category receives $1,000 and publication. The winners are also invited to participate in a virtual awards ceremony in the fall. Submit three to eight pages of poetry or a story or novel excerpt of up to 5,000 words with a $25 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Nimrod International Journal, by January 31. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Literary Artist Fellowships

Mississippi Arts Commission
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
March 1, 2026

Fellowships of up to $5,000 each are given in alternating years to Mississippi poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers. This year the fellowships will be offered in poetry and fiction. Applicants must be permanent residents of Mississippi. Students enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program are ineligible. Using only the online submission system, submit 5 to 10 pages of poetry or 15 to 20 pages of prose written in the past five years, a résumé, a brief bio, a writer’s statement, and a fellowship impact statement by March 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

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Fiction Prize

Autumn House Press
Entry Fee: 
$35
Deadline: 
February 28, 2026

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Autumn House Press is given annually for a book of fiction. The winner also receives a $1,500 travel and publicity grant. Amber Sparks will judge. All finalists are also considered for publication. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 150 to 300 pages of prose with a $35 entry fee by February 28. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize

North Carolina Writers’ Network
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
January 30, 2026

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Thomas Wolfe Review is given annually for a short story or a self-contained novel excerpt. Karen Tucker will judge. Submit a work of prose of up to 3,000 words (two copies if submitting by postal mail) with a $25 entry fee ($15 for NCWN members) by January 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

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