In the last few years, we’ve seen an explosion of diverse and wonderfully weird teen protagonists in young adult fiction. At Odd Voice Out we want to keep expanding the boundaries of what a YA hero can be.
For our inaugural short story competition, Not So Normal Narrators, we are seeking short stories of 2000 - 5000 words told through underrepresented and unusual teen voices.
We’re hoping to see central characters of different ethnic, cultural and class backgrounds, characters who identify as LGBTQ+, characters with disabilities or mental health issues, or just any young character with circumstances or a perspective outside of the mainstream.
Think about the YA heroes you’ve not seen yet, and be the strange you wish to see in the world!
Open to writers aged fourteen and over from all nationalities and backgrounds.
Prizes: £200, £100, £50 (First, second and third prize respectively). A dedicated anthology will include the top ten tales, available winter 2019.
Entry fee: £4.
Full details and to enter here
Deadline: 31 August 2019