The Fall Writing Contest is here!
You can submit your story directly to The Pearl at any time, but let’s be honest, it is so much more fun when it is a competition!
We are partnering with The Company, looking for the best short stories you have, all with the theme of “Layers”. Maybe you’ll discover a Who Dun It?, delve into the strata of an alien civilization, or sweat bullets assembling a ten-tier wedding cake. There are layers to this theme, so take it and run!
This is meant to be low pressure. Let it be a fun idea-starter or a break to fill the gap between your bigger projects. You have a whole two months, so take your time and enjoy the story that you write. The contest is free—open to anyone—but it closes at 11:59 ET on November 20th, 2026.
At the end of the competition, you’ll be able to look back and see that you did something you love, completed a short story, and submitted your work to others. That is awesome! And on top of that accomplishment, you could win $100!
That’s right. The winner will get a $100 Amazon gift card and get their short story published in The Pearl. And you won’t be celebrating alone. The Company is excited to celebrate with you and promote you!
So are you ready?
Go get started by heading over to the contest page on The Company’s website right now!
I can’t wait to see what stories you come up with!
-Jenna Hulse White, Managing Editor of The Pearl
