Today, we’re kicking of the first of TWO great contests we’ll be holding all month for our August Book of the Month — Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. And because Clockwork Angel is such a big deal, we’re going all-out this month with our first writing contest. Are you ready? Here we go …
The Contest:
This contest is all about steampunk, and we’ve got two options for you to choose from:
(A) Write a short story (500-1500 words) incorporating elements from steampunk (follow this link to learn more or check out our post here explaining the genre). The story should include:
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- New York City circa 1898
- a piece of “steampunk” technology
(B) Make up a steampunk-era device. Tell us about your creation: what does it do, how does it work, what does it look like? You could even draw a picture to accompany your description! (And remember, this is fiction — anything is possible!)
The Prizes:
Five (5) winners will each receive a Clockwork Angel package, including a finished (hardcover) of the book, a journal & a poster (all courtesy Simon & Schuster).
The prize pack looks something like this (but with a hardcover edition, instead of an ARC):
The Rules:
- Please choose only ONE of the options mentioned above
- Please use proper grammar & spelling
- Entries should be between 500-1500 words (approx.)
- Prizes can only be mailed within the U.S.
- Entries will be judged based on creativity & originality
How to Enter:
E-mail your submissions to clumzbella@yahoo.com
Include your entries in the body of your email. Do NOT attach a file.
Please include your full name, email address & U.S. mailing address in your email along with your entry.
Deadline:
All entries are due by midnight (PT) on August 31st.
Questions? Leave ’em in the comments & we’ll reply!
Novel Novice 
Ummm…. *jealous*
For the short story, does it have to relate to the books? If not, CAN it be set in the Shadowhunter world if we wanted to?
It’s totally up to you!
could the short story be longer than 1500 words or is that it?
Your entry that you submit to us should be no longer than approx. 1500 words. Of course, your entry could be part of a longer story, if you wish — but only submit up to 1500 words for the contest.
Make sense?
Yes, thank you 🙂
Can someone explain ‘steampunk’ to me? I googled it, but I’m still a bit confused and I really wanna enter this.. 🙂
We’ll have a post tomorrow explaining all about Steampunk!
I just want to be certain.
Great contest; I’ll be waiting to see the winners!
What should be in the subject bar of the email, if anything?
Just something to indicate it’s an entry for this contest. Something like “steampunk writing contest” or “novel novice steampunk contest” … 🙂
Got your entry, Ashley! Thanks and good luck!
In the short story requirements, does the steampunk have to be something from the past or can you make one up of your own?
also can we have the beinging of the story be in some other time period then lead up to New York City 1898?
this is so cool!
I’ve even written a blog post about it to spread the word;
http://yellowstaressentials.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/life-after-twilight-special-announcementsteampunk-writing-contest-win-a-clockwork-angel-package/
good luck to everyone who enters!
Did you get my entry? I had to forward the message again because I forgot to add my contact information.
Yep, I got it both times! No worries!
Or do I need to send it all again?
Ignore this.
what if you don’t live in the U.S?? O_O
wait scratch that -_-“
Got it! Cholera epidemic, bodies being buried in Central Park, yellow sheets hanging out peoples windows and a clever device called a “newshawk”. Now I just need characters…….