I can say from experience that the Blank Spaces Anthology Contest is a superbly organized competition, with a personal touch that is the hallmark of working with Alanna Rusnak and the folks at Chicken House Press. It was a pleasure for me to be involved last year, a thrill to read my work on a webcast along with the other finalists, and a source of pride to see my story included in an anthology which features some very talented writers. If you are thinking about entering this contest but are uncertain, stop thinking. Go for it!

I found the Blank Spaces/Chicken House Press Small Town Summer Nights contest to be a positive and encouraging experience. Participating in the contest felt friendly and fun at every step, and the prompt was engaging and interesting. I also liked the timely deadlines and feedback about whether my piece might make it into the next round. Although I didn't know it at the time, it has become apparent that when I entered this contest, I also entered into a writing community, and a relationship with Chicken House Press/Blank Spaces.

Participating in Blank Spaces’ 2023 anthology contest was both challenging and rewarding. As an emerging Canadian author searching for literary outlets to showcase my work, Blank Spaces is at the top of my list. When I learned about the anthology contest and its fascinating prompt, ideas started flowing so I quickly got to work. Now I regularly pinch myself when I see my name and story printed alongside seven other incredible authors. This creative community has been very welcoming and provided the encouragement to continue writing!

Everything about this contest was so positive for me!… Communication was clear, effective, timely, helpful, and friendly. Information was shared before I even knew I wanted to know it! I always felt informed, valued, and supported.

Taking part in the anthology contest was a fulfilling experience, and I would encourage anyone with a creative spark not to ignore that inner writing prompt. I most appreciated the chance to connect with my fellow contributors, and the invaluable feedback on my work. (2023)

Being part of The Things We Leave Behind was one of my most stimulating experiences, made all the better by the sense of fellowship among the authors included in this anthology. (2021)

One thing I liked about the 2021 Blank Spaces Fiction Anthology contest was that the participation buzz kept going. It's not like a contest where you submit your entry and you wait through six months of silence, at the end of which there might be an email saying your story did/did not make the cut. In the Blank Spaces contest there were clear timelines stated from the outset, with monthly stages as the contest progressed at a cracking pace from deadline, to longlist, to shortlist, to winner. As an entrant, I felt engaged with the contest progress from start to finish.

Being a finalist in this contest was a fantastic experience. I was thrilled to find out that my story had been selected for publication in the anthology. Seeing my work in print alongside the other talented writers was so exciting! The entire contest process was well-organized and professional, and I loved the theme of small-town summer nights. Thank you to the organizers and judges for an amazing experience!

I really enjoyed participating in the Blank Spaces short story contest. It was a terrific prompt to get cracking on another story, and the whole contest was extremely well run, with easy to follow instructions and regular follow up. Reaching the short list and having the opportunity to learn about the other finalists and their work was extremely rewarding. I would encourage all writers to join the fun!

It's terrifying. Putting your words out there, in the big bad world, for all to see and judge. I think any writer will tell you the same, whether they're just starting out, or a seasoned pro. It's scary, and nerve wracking, and a great many never find the courage to hit that send button. I almost didn't. I wrote my story, doubting myself every step of the way. It was miles out of my comfort zone and I thought, there's just no way this will even qualify, let alone win. But at the urging of my best friend, I closed my eyes, grit my teeth, and hit send. And it was one of the best decisions I made last year. Working with Alanna, Blank Spaces, and Chicken House Press is a dream. She's so down to earth and personable, and makes the entire process enjoyable from start to finish. If you've never dared try your hand at a short story contest before, I highly recommend you dip your toes and start with this one!