The Staunch Book Prize – Write A Thriller Without Violence Against Women
From the website:
“The inaugural Staunch Book Prize will be awarded to the author of a novel in the thriller genre in which no woman is beaten, stalked, sexually exploited, raped or murdered.”
Is that so much to ask? The website invites works of originality lamenting the overused tropes of violence against women in the “thriller” genre. You can also find some campy videos to mock the all too familiar theme that has become copycat and formulaic writing.
The contest was started by writer Bridget Lawless. It has not only hit a nerve with women promoting the endeavor. The contest calls for an interesting story, with an emphasis on great writing. They want a great work, still thrilling without violence against women as a ‘theme.’
Margaret Atwood was quick to promote on Twitter:
Want to win the Staunch Prize? Write a thriller where no woman is sexually exploited, raped or murdered https://t.co/l1S8OQTtJV
— Margaret E. Atwood (@MargaretAtwood) January 31, 2018
Submissions of up to 5,000 words are open February 22nd – 15th July 2018
The shortlist will be announced September 2018 and works of at least 50,000 words will be requested from finalists.
The winner will receive a prize of £2000
The contest is open to international writers for newly published and non-published works.
Check the website for more information and full rules of entry.
Good luck. Would love to see what works comes of this.