You may submit one (1) entry per category: fast fiction and short story, for a maximum of two (2) entries. We encourage you to send your best work as only your first submission will be considered.

Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including library staff and guest authors (if applicable).
Works will be anonymized and then judged based on creativity, originality, storytelling quality, and alignment with the annual theme.
Winners will be selected based on originality, creativity, writing quality, and interpretation of the annual theme.

Judging Rubric:
Each story will be scored out of 20 points across the following four categories:

Total Possible Score: 20 Points
Top entries in each category will be selected based on highest composite scores.

Winners will be notified on October 1st and then announced publicly through the library’s website and social media sometime in October.

We are accepting entries in two distinct categories. Please review the definitions below to determine which best fits your story.

• Flash Fiction – 500 words or fewer
  Flash fiction is very short storytelling, where every word matters. These stories often capture a single scene, emotional moment, or striking twist.

  • The goal is to deliver a complete narrative with character, tension, and resolution in a compressed space.

  • Ideal for writers who enjoy precision, restraint, and impact.

  • While short, flash fiction should still feel full and intentional, not simply a fragment of a larger work.

• Short Story – 1,000 to 3,000 words
  A short story offers more room to explore character development, world-building, and plot complexity.

  • Writers can take time to build tension, develop voice, or add layers of meaning.

  • Stories may follow traditional structure (beginning–middle–end), include dialogue, and offer a more nuanced interpretation of a fractured fairy tale.

  • This category suits those who want to dive deeper into their retelling and expand on theme or transformation.

A fractured fairy tale is a creative retelling or reimagining of a well-known fairy tale, folk tale, or myth. You might change the setting, shift the point of view, alter the characters, or rewrite the ending. We’re looking for original, compelling adult fiction that brings a fresh perspective to a classic tale.

• Plot

  • The story events unfold differently (e.g., Little Red Riding Hood saves the wolf).

    • Example: A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow (Sleeping Beauty)

    • Example: Gilded by Marissa Meyer (Rumpelstiltskin)

• Characters

  • Personalities or roles are reversed, further explored, or altered (e.g., the Big Bad Wolf is the hero)

    • Example: If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy (Cinderella)
    • Example: The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw (The Little Mermaid)

• Setting

  • The time or place is changed (e.g., set in space, modern-day, or underwater).

    • Example: After the Forest by Kell Woods (Hansel and Gretel)
    • Example: Starling House by Alix E. Harrow (Beauty and the Beast)

• Perspective

  • The story is told from an unexpected point of view (e.g., the antagonist or side-character).

    • Example: The Book of Gothel by Mary McMyne (Rapunzel)
    • Example: The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi (Bluebeard)

• Ending

  • It concludes with a twist or moral that challenges the original.

    • Example: A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow (Snow White)
    • Example: Almost There by Farrah Rochon (Princess and the Frog)
    • Example: The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister (Appalachian folktales)

Submissions should be original, unpublished fast fiction (500 words or less) or short stories (1,000–3,000 words) that reinterpret or reinvent a well-known fairy tale, folk tale, or myth. Stories must be written in English and should appeal to an adult audience in theme, tone, or content.

Any submissions found to have used AI will be disqualified.

This contest is open to adult writers (18+) residing in the Halton Region (Milton, Burlington, Oakville and Halton Hills) in Ontario, Canada.

Both emerging and experienced writers are welcome to submit.

A Milton Public Library card is encouraged but not required.

There will be  one (1) winner for each category, two (2) winners in total. The winning may prize will include one or a combination of the following:

• Feature on the Milton Public Library website

• Public reading and awards event

• Gift cards, certificates, and MPL-branded prizes