Once Upon A Time: Stories from Our Voices
Submit your short story for a chance to be featured at the Durban Book Fair, be included in our collection and to WIN amazing prizes!
Once Upon a Time… your story could inspire the world.
At AMWASA, we cherish the power of storytelling – stories that reflect our unique voices, values, and culture. Now, we’re offering you the chance to share your story with the world!
We have chosen the theme “Once Upon a Time” to align with the overarching theme of the Durban International Book Fair 2024.
Submit your short story starting with “Once Upon A Time,” and your entry could be showcased at the Durban International Book Fair. All stories will be compiled into a special collection and the top stories will be voted for at the fair!
How to enter
- Submit your story by clicking on one of the black buttons on this page. Stories must start with “Once Upon A Time”, be no longer than 150 words. Stories be shariah-compliant (no questionable content).
- Include a personal statement (2-3 sentences) explaining the inspiration behind your story.
- Submit your entry between 06:00 AM on 22 October 2024 and 11:59 PM on 22 November 2024. All submissions must align with AMWASA’s values and the competition theme.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 25 November 2024.
- Voting for the shortlisted stories will take place at the Durban International Book Fair (at Eduvos Umhlanga) from 27 November to 1 December 2024. – DIRECTIONS TO THE VENUE
- Winners will be chosen based on number of votes with the Top Five being awarded.
Competition Timeline
- Submission Opens: 06:00 AM on 22 October 2024
- Submission Deadline: 11:59 PM on 22 November 2024
- Shortlisted Candidates Contacted: 25 November 2024
- Voting Period: 27 November to 1 December 2024, during the Durban International Book Fair
- Winners Announcement: By 6 December 2024 (via our social media pages and our mailing list)
Our prize structure has grown thanks to Letterbird Books!
- First Prize: R750 cash prize! Share your story with the world and walk away with a well-deserved reward!
- Second Prize: R500 cash prize! Your creativity will be recognised with this special award.
- Third Prize: R250 cash! Your efforts will not go unnoticed.
- Two Consolation Prizes: R100 book vouchers! Immerse yourself in new literary adventures – your next favourite read is on us!
- All shortlisted entries will be included in our collection, sharing diverse voices from our community.
Terms & Conditions
1. Eligibility: The “Once Upon a Time” competition is open to individuals aged 16+, except for the following:
- Immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) of AMWASA organisers, employees, and volunteers.
- Members directly involved in the planning, organisation, or administration of the competition.
- Individuals acting as judges or in any capacity related to the selection and evaluation of competition entries.
By submitting an entry, participants confirm that they do not fall within these restricted categories.
2. Submission Guidelines: Stories must begin with “Once Upon A Time”, be a maximum of 150 words, must be original, unpublished works, and must uphold Islamic values.
3. Contacting shortlisted candidates: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email or telephone by 25 November 2024. Names of shortlisted candidates will be posted on our social pages and be shared with our mailing list and contacts.
4. Voting: Shortlisted stories will be displayed for public voting at the AMWASA stall during the Durban International Book Fair 2024. Votes will be collected via a QR code link provided at the stall. Each attendee may cast one vote per person. Multiple votes from the same individual will not be counted.
5. Ownership: By submitting your story, you grant AMWASA the right to include and distribute it in a collection (printed and/or electronic), display it during the Durban International Book Fair, and share it on our various social and mailing platforms. You will always retain full credit as the author.
6. Content Requirements: Stories must reflect positive Islamic values or personal/cultural experiences and be free from inappropriate language or themes. AI-generated stories will be disqualified.
7. Prize: The grand prize winners will be announced by 6 December 2024, and all shortlisted stories will be featured in the collection.
- The first prize winner, with most votes, will receive R750 paid into a designated account via electronic transfer
- The second prize winner will receive R500 paid into a designated account via electronic transfer
- The third prize winner will receive R250 paid into a designated account via electronic transfer.
- Two Consolation Prizes will receive a R100 voucher towards any books or services on the AMWASA site
8. Rights: AMWASA reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with the competition rules.
9. Final decision: The decisions made by AMWASA regarding the competition, including the selection of winners, are final and binding. No correspondence or appeals will be entered into regarding these decisions.
10. Disclaimer: This competition is hosted and managed solely by AMWASA. Prizes are sponsored by Letterbird Books and AMWASA. This competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Meta or any other social media platform, or the organisers of the Durban International Book Fair. By participating, you agree to release these platforms and entities from any liability related to the competition.
How to Vote
Visit the AMWASA stall at the Durban International Book Fair from 27 November to 1 December 2024 to read the shortlisted stories and cast your vote. Voting is easy! Just scan the QR code at our stall or follow the link provided at the event.
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