EKANSH TRUST, PUNE ANNOUNCES 
READISCOVERY (c) 
A NATIONAL LEVEL SHORT STORY WRITING CONTEST [ENGLISH]
For STORY WRITERS who are Blind/Visually Challenged. 

PURPOSE: Many stories are being published in Braille, and that is a wonderful trend. With modern technology, any text can be scanned and printed in Braille, or even read out to a person using assistive software.
But can we call this inclusion in the real sense of the word? Are these stories written for people who cannot see - those who are born without sight? Can they relate to all those visual references?  
The best stories bring to life places and spaces and things and creatures, we visualise them using our imagination and memory. Bright mornings, colourful flowers, sad expressions, litter on the street, beautiful faces, grey skies, magic tricks  – all our stories are replete with visual references. 
EKansh Trust wants to promote literature by and for people who are blind. We want us all to experience the world the way they do. We want us all to read their stories.

How to write a SHORT STORY: a brief by KAVITA KANE, well known and loved author of mythological novels from the feminine point of view.
A short story, as the name explains, is a story with a fully developed theme but significantly shorter and less elaborate than a novel.
Rules of short story writing:
What are the key elements of a short story?

•  Remember it is a brief piece of prose fiction, meant to be read in a single sitting. It often focuses on a self-contained incident or series of linked incidents, with the intent of evoking a single effect or mood.
•  The length or word count should be between 1000 to 3000 words.
•  It should have a 'story' - and the format should be as if a story is being told, not an incident or an anecdote explained.
• Short stories come in all kinds of categories: action, adventure, biography, comedy, crime, detective, drama, dystopia, fable, fantasy, history, mythology, horror, mystery, philosophy, politics, romance, satire, science fiction, supernatural, thriller and tragedy. Choose any theme for your story!
• The setting of a short story is often simplified (one time and place), and one or two main characters may be introduced without full backstories. In this concise, concentrated format, every word and story detail has to work extra hard!
• Single plot instead of multiple subplots, works best. You need  not follow a traditional narrative arc, with exposition (description) at the beginning, rising action, a climax (peak moment of conflict or action), and a resolution at the end. Instead, as in contemporary short fiction you can begin in the middle of the action, drawing readers straight into a dramatic scene.

In short, you can experiment with the form and style. What is important is to create a distinct 'mood'. So, go ahead and write your own short story!

COMPETITION RULES: 

• Writer’s age: 18 years & above
• Language: English
• Word Count: 1000-3000 words
• Email your stories to: ekanshtrust@gmail.com              [Email Subject: Readiscovery]
• Last date for submission: 20th Feb 2021
• Format: DOC/PDF only
• Mention your name, address and telephone number.

PLEASE NOTE:

• Avoid visual references, descriptions, etc.
• This contest is open to writers who are blind/visually challenged only.
• The stories must appeal to people born blind also.
• The story could be about any subject and not necessarily about someone who is blind. It must be written so that people who are blind can enjoy the story fully.
• Translators and scribes can be engaged. Original story has to be that of the participant.

 
Prize:
Frist Prize: Rupees 10,000/-
Second Prize: Rupees 7500/-
Third Prize: Rupees 5000/-
 
Best of luck! ​​

SPONSORS ARE MOST WELCOME.
PLEASE VISIT OUR CONTACT/DONATE PAGE.