Earth Endeavours, publisher of BEJournal, is pleased to announce its first International Short Story Contest for storytellers who love nature! BEJournal is calling on writers of all ages to share their original short stories for a chance to be published in a special volume of the Journal inset with an image by an award-winning photographer, as well as receive mentoring from international bestselling author Michelle Worthington.
“We believe creativity can be a catalyst for reaching people’s hearts and minds,” said Inga Yandell, Editor at BEJournal and Founder of Earth Endeavours Media. “Our Short Story Contest was created to encourage new voices for nature to share their different perspectives, and inspire interest in conservation. Budding authors can help shine a light on the work of those who passionately devote their lives to preserving and protecting our natural world. Writing for nature can also make people ‘aware-to-care’ about threatened species or an issue affecting them, which otherwise would go unnoticed. We can’t wait to see the submissions, and look forward to showcasing a selection in a tribute volume that will help raise awareness for the conservation featured at the heart of each story.”
“Earth Endeavours designed the contest so that every story can make a difference. When participants use the hashtag #writingfornature with @nameofcharity and @earthendeavours, they provide much needed media support for their chosen charity. And that’s the goal here, to rekindle and restore wild hope through storytelling”.
Various prizes are still to be announced but will include virtual mentoring and master classes from award-winning authors, photographers, and other storytellers. The categories include Children, Young Adult and Adult. Participants will also find free resources and a writer’s guide by Michelle Worthington on EarthEndeavours.org
“We’re so thrilled to be partnering with Michelle Worthington on this project as she is an author and writing teacher who shows kids, and all of us, the magic of stories and storytelling,” Inga Yandell said.
All promotions and assets can be utilized by any conservation group or cause in support of their work. By using the #writingfornature with their @tag they can amplify awareness through the campaign and inspire new voices to tell their story.
Guidelines for Submission
● Enteries for the first season close on January 22nd, 2021.
● The work must be an original written story highlighting a conservation group or project.
● Suggested word count is 300 - 800 words (maximum 1000).
● Categories include: children’s, youth, and adult. Participants can submit an entry to one or all three.
● A winner from each category will be published in a special volume of BEJournal. Winners will be notified by email and will have an opportunity for a surprise presenter to read their story on Earth Endeavours social channels.
● Prizes include: Pro subscription to Concepts app, signed books by award-winning authors and access to WE Animals masterclass (bonus prizes to be announced).
About BEJournal
For more than 20 years, BEJournal has always been about innovation and reimagining how we explore nature. Our award-winning journal brings fresh focus to the natural world through unique and authentic stories.
About Earth Endeavours
Earth Endeavours is dedicated to expanding global opportunities for creative exploration with a focus on the natural world. Integrating the craft of visual story-telling as a medium for innovating wild conservation and nature discovery. We work with artists, explorers, and scientists engaging a global effort toward a sustainable future. @earthendeavours
About Michelle Worthington
Michelle Worthington is an international award-winning author and business woman. Two-time winner of the International Book Award, recipient of the Gellett Burgess Award and Silver Moonbeam Award for her contribution to celebrating diversity in literature. @michelle.author
Interested in Supporting the Contest?
Earth Endeavours is reaching out to interested sponsors and creatives who can support the contest by promoting it to their audiences, and/or donating prizes. We are seeking opportunities to develop storytelling skills (through online workshops, tutorials, mentoring) and for creatives who can help produce content that will bring these stories to life (through voice, animation, illustration, photography, music, or any other medium to reach a diverse audience).
Media and Sponsoring Enquiries
Email: writingfornature@earthendeavours.org or use the form below.
Thank you!