From twisted trinkets to haunted heirlooms, unleash your scariest cursed object story in Dictionary.com’s Haunting Hooks writing contest.
The Contest
We’re challenging you to write an original opening to a story about cursed objects using 50 words or less.
Whether it’s eerie, chilling, or darkly funny, your first lines must pull the reader in right away.
The Prizes
Judge’s Choice: The winning entry will be chosen by New York Times-bestselling author and guest judge Kalynn Bayron, and announced on Halloween!
The winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card, Dictionary.com swag, and a signed copy of Kalynn Bayron’s newest release, Make Me a Monster (out September 30), along with a special edition bookmark.
Fans’ Choice: October 16-October 28, vote on our website for your favorite entry. We’ll share a selection of haunting hooks and the author with the most votes will win a $50 Amazon gift card and Dictionary.com swag.
Honorable mentions will receive Dictionary.com swag.
Can you craft the most haunting hook?
Enter by Oct. 13…if you dare.
ENTER NOW
Featuring guest judge Kalynn Bayron
Kalynn Bayron is a New York Times bestselling author who knows how to deliver chills. Her books include Cinderella Is Dead, This Poison Heart, and You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight. Her newest release, Make Me a Monster, hits shelves September 30.
Judging criteria
Be original.
Every cursed object hides a story, and every story hides a fear. Your interpretation of “scary” and “cursed” is what will make your hook unforgettable.
Establish an atmosphere.
Your opening should set the scene and establish the atmosphere. Whether it’s spooky, funny, or outright horrifying, it needs to be vivid and memorable.
Make it captivating.
Hook the reader right away. You’ve only got 50 words to introduce your story and draw the reader into its world, so make every word count!
Submit your entry
Write an original opening to a cursed object story in 50 words or less. We’re looking for the *opening* of a story—the very beginning, as in its opening line or lines (not a whole story). The entry deadline is Oct. 13.
Only one entry per person. To be eligible, you must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and be 18 years of age or older. Read the official contest rules, terms, and conditions.
The contest has closed.
Fans’ Choice Vote
Voting has closed. Check out the winners here!
