TUMBLEWEED

PAID

Closes 31st August 2024

Inspiration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV6G8ipTSVA

Theme:

In the desolate landscapes of Utah (or, in fact, any real or fictional place you choose), a bizarre phenomenon unfolds as thousands of tumbleweeds amass, engulfing residential yards, barricading buildings, and rendering roads impassable.

But these tumbleweeds are not mere botanical oddities; they harbour an ominous secret.

We invite speculative fiction and horror writers to explore the sinister depths of this phenomenon.

  • What if tumbleweed isn’t just tumbleweed?
  • Where does it originate?
  • What dark forces propel its relentless advance?
  • What horrors does it bring with it?
  • Does it herald the onset of an apocalyptic upheaval, a world consumed by its sinister presence?
  • If your story is post-apocalyptic, delve into the shadows and unleash your imagination upon a world gripped by the Tumbleweed Apocalypse.

Please ensure your first 500 words compel the reader to want to go further.
Word count : 2,000 – 10,000
Further information : Remember: we have a blind read process, which means our read team do not know any of the author’s details. Please do not include your personal information (name, pseudonym, address, email, bio, etc.) in your manuscript – your story will be rejected and will not be eligible for resubmission.
However, please include your personal information in the email body, as well as your bio of not more than 100 words and not more than 2 links. Do not include links to retailers (such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble), as other retailers will reject the publication if they are included.
Author eligibility : Open to all.
Reprints : Not allowed.
Simultaneous Submissions : Not allowed. Please do not submit your story elsewhere while we are considering it.
Co-authored Submissions : Allowed.
Publication : Paperback, hardcover, digital, and audio.
Author compensation :
Monetary awards will be based on wordcounts after edits (so please don’t pad);
~2,000 to 5,000    – $20 USD
~5,001 to 10,000   – $25 USD
Plus one digital copy and print discounts
Submit to : short-stories@blackharepress.com

Please allow 12 weeks after the call closes for a response.