Writing Contest Newsletter
Hello All! Autumn is here, and it is time again for our Quarterly Writing Contests. We are now accepting micro-stories for our adult author contest (Windows into the Multiverse) and our junior writer contest (The Paths We Walk). Participation in ALL of our contests is completely FREE. Our goal is to spread the love of writing to the next generation and to foster the love of the written word in those who make writing their craft. No AI authors here! Real writer creativity only. You will find more in-depth information about our contests below.
If you are receiving this missive for the first time, welcome! Clean Fiction Magazine is a Christian-based publication that reviews and features independently published and small press fiction in both the religious and secular markets. Our publication was started by a Christian School Librarian in 2021 and has currently reviewed over 1,800 books, audio dramas, and other fictional media. Our reviews cover all types of genres for adult and junior readers. If you are interested in learning more about our print and ebook magazine, click the link below. Also, you can scroll to the bottom of this email to find a link to a FREE PDF ebook edition for you to enjoy!
May Your Day Be Bright & Your Reading Be Epic!
~ Amy Lynn McConahy, Clean Fiction Magazine
Windows into the Multiverse Writing Contest
The photo below is what I prefer to call a “Window”. In a way paintings, photos, and other visual arts are “Windows” into another space. Whether it is in the artist’s mind or a recreation of an actual place, these “Windows” allow us to pause for a moment and see someone else’s view. Why the “Multiverse” then? Many authors use paintings, photos, and other visual arts in order to inspire them to create whole new universes and times for us to enjoy. When you look at this image where do you go? What do they see through the window?
This popular contest is a staple of our magazine and will continue to accept submissions quarterly in the months of January, April, July, and October. Submissions and publication of winners is completely FREE.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
If you are an author between the ages of 18 and 118, you are asked to write a micro-story beginning with “Through the window, I saw...” using the photo above as inspiration. The only restriction on your creativity is that you keep your micro-story clean. All genres are accepted. Submissions will open October 1-31. Please keep your submission to between 1,000 and 1,500 words. To submit your story fill out the form found on the “Contests” page of our website. We will not use your micro-stories without your permission and the winner/s will be sent pages for approval. The winners will appear in our December 20th Winter Edition along with the image on this page. Depending on the number of submissions we receive, there will be either winners in several genre categories OR an overall winner. Winners will be announced on November 5th. Each winner or the overall winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, a printable winner’s certificate, a 3D-printed “medallion”, a digital medallion to use on your website, and an author feature ($40 value).* The winners will be decided by the Clean Fiction staff and excerpts of each submission may be used for promotional purposes. We cannot wait to read what you write about this new image and are excited to read your submissions!
This Contest is Sponsored by the Strangers & Aliens Podcast (StrangersAndAliens.com) and Author Marilyn K. Blair (theeastportseries.com).
* Prizes will not be distributed until after the magazine goes to print. Medallions are only shipped in the continental United States.
The Paths We Walk Junior Writing Contest
Welcome to Clean Fiction Magazine’s “The Paths We Walk” Junior Writing Contest. If you are a young writer between the ages of 13 and 17, and have permission from your guardian to submit to a writing contest, continue reading for more information.
This brand new contest will accept submissions quarterly in the months of January, April, July, and October. Submissions and publication of winners is completely FREE.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
You are asked to write a micro-story beginning with “Along the path, I saw...” using the image above as inspiration. The only restriction on your creativity is that you keep your micro-story clean. All genres are accepted. Submissions will be accepted October 1-31.
Please keep your submission to between 500 and 1,000 words. To submit your story, fill out the “Submit to the Paths Contest” form found below. If you do not want your full name announced, please note that on the form.
The winners will appear in our December 20th Winter Edition along with the image on this page. Depending on the number of submissions we receive, there will be either winners in several genre categories OR an overall winner. Winner/s will be announced on November 5th. Each winner or the overall winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, a printable winner’s certificate, a 3D-printed “medallion”, a digital medallion, and an author feature (if this information is approved by the minor's guardian).* We will not use your micro-stories without your permission, and the winner/s will be sent pages for approval. The winners will be decided by the Clean Fiction staff, and excerpts of each submission may be used for promotional purposes. We cannot wait to read what you write about this new image!
Contest Sponsors: Author Dawn Ford (dawnfordauthor.com), Author Tony B. Richard (tonybrichard.com), and Author James S. Davis (jsdauthor.com).
* Prizes will not be distributed until after the magazine goes to print. Medallions are only shipped in the continental United States.
Book Launches & Upcoming Events
October 2026: Dragon's Twilight Kickstarter
October 13: Book Launch: Karabos By Lyndsey Lewellen
"On the morning of Thursday, September 24, 2026, award-winning sci-fi/fantasy author Lyndsey Lewellen set out across Texas to attend the Word Wrangler Book Festival. She was scheduled to give presentations about writing to inspire students at a middle school that afternoon. She never arrived.
Lyndsey had been T-boned on her driver's side at highway speed. She was airlifted by helicopter, having suffered a brain bleed, a broken jaw, a broken ankle, and multiple other injuries. She was intubated and sedated, arriving at the hospital in critical condition.
John and Lyndsey have five children and run a farm in McKinney, Texas. Donations will help with medical care, air transport, rehabilitation, and family expenses during her recovery.
Lyndsey's newest book, KARABOS, is also being published on October 13. The terrible timing of the accident may prevent her from doing the work needed to support its launch, affecting the family's income."
~ Sarah (Lyndsey's Sister)
I ask that you pray for this situation and consider donating to the GoFundMe. ~ ALM
October 17: Novel Lattes Clean Book Festival
October 2026: Book Launch: Finding Home by Dave Pratt
Our Advertising Deadline is November 14th for the Winter Edition 2026.
REMINDER: We cannot continue to publish our magazine without your help! Please consider either becoming an advertiser, supporting Clean Fiction on Patreon, or directly supporting us with a Yearly Subscription ($10 per Year).
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~ Philippians 4:8
Clean Fiction Magazine
(a publication by Sunset Valley Creations)
PO Box 5044, New Castle, PA 16105
Text (724) 510-7482
info@cleanfictionmagazine.com
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