Haunting Words Contest

A contest run by The Writers Workshop in partnership with Malefica Press. Part of The Weird Weekend, a programme of fun, have-a-go creative writing events on the theme of fantasy and magic.

  • Deadline: 6PM, October 16, 2026 (no extensions will be granted)

  • 500 words maximum

  • FREE to enter (up to three entries permitted)

Whether it's a complete poem or story or a fragment of a longer work, we're looking for eerie writing that will fill us with dread and haunt us long after reading. All things Gothic, chilling, and ominous are welcome.

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Enter using the form below. If you’d like to be added to our mailing list, tick the box (on one entry only).

  • Use one form per entry (maximum 3).

  • Each entry must be no longer than 500 words (exc. title).

TERMS

  • Your entry (or entries) will be judged anonymously by the editor of Malefica Press.

  • All entries must be your own work and must not have involved artificial intelligence at any stage of creation.

  • By entering the contest, you agree to the potential publication of your work by malefica.press and The Writers Workshop.

  • Entries may have been previously published, but you must own the full rights to republish the material.

  • We are unable to enter into any correspondence with entrants about their work.

  • If a piece of poetry wins, the correct formatting of the work will be approved by the winner before publication.

The winner will be notified by The Writers Workshop on October 20th and invited to attend The Weird Weekend Pre-Halloween Party on October 24th. If the winner can attend, there will be a special presentation.

The winning entry will be published on malefica.press on October 31st and circulated to The Writers Workshop membership (200+) via email shortly after.