SPECIAL ISSUE CONTEST prompt

Freedom

Embrace the power of imagination and creativity in our special short story contest, ‘Freedom’. We invite you to explore the theme of freedom through the genres of crime, speculative, and fantasy fiction. Whether you delve into the depths of a dystopian cityscape, uncover the secrets of a magical realm, or navigate the intricacies of a criminal underworld, let your imagination run wild as you craft a tale that explores the timeless quest for liberation and the pursuit of freedom.

Submit your most thrilling and thought-provoking short stories to our special contest, with the winner and shortlisted entries published in our special bumper issue coming out this autumn. This will be a crossover of Tangled Web Magazine and Mirk Fantasy Magazine, and it will showcase the very best of Inspiring Fiction.

The quest for freedom awaits—are you ready to answer the call?

Competition now closed

Inspiring Fiction is built on a simple but powerful belief: great short stories should be accessible to everyone. The platform publishes speculative fiction, Tartan Noir, and fantasy short stories across two distinct magazines, and every piece is always free to read. This commitment to open access means that readers can explore imaginative worlds without barriers, while writers gain a genuine audience for their craft. The publishing model is deliberately straightforward, allowing the stories themselves to take center stage rather than paywalls or subscription tiers. For those who love discovering new voices in fiction, this approach creates a welcoming space where creativity thrives and where the joy of reading remains uncomplicated and pure.

The quarterly contest at Inspiring Fiction offers writers a regular opportunity to stretch their creative muscles around a themed prompt. Each contest invites submissions that explore a central idea from fresh angles, encouraging authors to push beyond familiar territory. The special contest centered on the theme of freedom, for example, opened the door to dystopian cityscapes, magical realms, and criminal underworlds alike. Writers are challenged to interpret the theme through crime, speculative, and fantasy genres, producing work that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. With a clear deadline each quarter and a well-defined submission process, the contest gives emerging and established authors alike a structured outlet for their storytelling ambitions.

The theme of freedom proves remarkably fertile ground for short fiction. In speculative stories, freedom might mean escape from a controlled society or liberation from technological constraints. In fantasy, it could involve breaking an ancient curse or choosing a path against destiny. In crime fiction, freedom often takes on grittier dimensions, exploring the cost of breaking free from circumstances, relationships, or the law itself. This thematic flexibility is precisely what makes the contest so appealing to writers across genres. Each submission brings a unique interpretation, and the resulting collection of stories showcases the many ways human beings understand, pursue, and sometimes lose their freedom.

Submitting to Inspiring Fiction is designed to be a rewarding experience for writers at any stage of their journey. The submission guidelines are clear and straightforward, ensuring that authors know exactly what is expected before they send their work. Every entry receives genuine consideration, and the editorial team takes time to read through the full pile of submissions each month. Shortlisted entries are celebrated publicly, and the winning story is published for all readers to enjoy. Runners-up also receive recognition, giving multiple writers a chance to see their work in the spotlight. This respectful, thorough approach to submissions reflects the organization's genuine commitment to nurturing creative talent.

The two magazines published by Inspiring Fiction each carry their own distinct personality while sharing a common dedication to quality storytelling. Readers can move between them to experience different flavors of short fiction, from the imaginative reaches of speculative and fantasy worlds to the gritty, atmospheric storytelling of Tartan Noir. This dual-magazine format means there is always something fresh to discover, whether a reader is in the mood for magical realms or crime-tinged drama. The editorial team curates each issue with care, balancing voices and styles to create collections that feel cohesive yet varied. For subscribers, each new issue arrives as an invitation to explore territory both familiar and surprising.

The magazine has cultivated a loyal community of readers and writers who share a passion for short fiction. Through a simple mailing list, subscribers receive updates about new issues, upcoming contest deadlines, and future opportunities delivered directly to their inboxes. This direct connection means that readers never miss a publication and writers stay informed about when submissions open for each themed contest. Beyond the mailing list, the organization maintains an active presence on social media, where followers can engage with announcements, share their enthusiasm for published stories, and stay connected to the broader creative community. These channels keep the conversation going between issues and contests, building momentum and anticipation with every cycle.

There is something genuinely special about a publication that remains free to read while still upholding rigorous editorial standards. Inspiring Fiction demonstrates that quality and accessibility are not mutually exclusive. By removing cost as a barrier, the magazines reach readers who might otherwise never encounter these stories, and writers gain exposure to a wider and more diverse audience. This philosophy extends to the contest as well, where the focus remains on the strength of the storytelling rather than on entry fees or paid promotions. The result is a publishing ecosystem that prioritizes the art of fiction itself, letting the work speak on its own terms.

The special issue contest built around the freedom theme exemplifies how a single prompt can generate remarkable creative range. Some entrants may choose to depict literal liberation, charting a character's escape from captivity or oppression. Others may explore internal freedom, the struggle to break free from fear, guilt, or self-doubt. The crime genre offers opportunities to examine moral freedom, the choices that define who we are when no one is watching. Speculative fiction can imagine entirely new systems of constraint and release, while fantasy can render freedom in mythic and symbolic terms. This breadth of possibility is what makes themed contests so compelling for both writers and readers.

Behind every issue and contest is a dedicated editorial team that takes its responsibility seriously. Reading through the submissions each month is a labor of love, and the team approaches every story with genuine attention and respect. They consider not only the craft of the writing but also how each piece fits within the larger conversation the magazine is building. When the winner is chosen for a contest, the announcement comes with context and commentary that helps readers appreciate the selection. This thoughtful editorial approach elevates the entire reading experience, transforming each issue from a simple collection of stories into a carefully considered showcase of contemporary short fiction.

Looking ahead, Inspiring Fiction continues to grow its offerings and reach new audiences. The regular contest cycle keeps the publication dynamic, with each new theme inviting fresh voices into the fold. Upcoming issues promise bumper collections and special showcases that highlight the range of talent submitting to the magazines. For readers, this means a steady stream of original fiction delivered regularly throughout the year. For writers, it means ongoing opportunities to see their work published and celebrated. The commitment to remaining free to read anchors every decision, ensuring that as the platform expands, it does so in a way that stays true to its founding principles of accessibility, creativity, and the enduring power of a well-told story.