Update: this contest is now closed.

Halloween is coming soon, and here at RomanceSparks we hope you'll join us in our first contest - Haunted Romance. What's not to love about the ghostly season? Dried leaves falling from trees, a chill wind sending shivers down your back and restless spirits in every shadow.

Our challenge:

Create a swoon worthy story where one or two of the main characters is dead. Please, no vampires! Show us how love goes on after death, or that falling in love knows no boundaries. Feel free to use any sub-genre for your romance (sci-fi, fanfic, horror, historical fiction or whatever your heart desires).

Rules:

1. Entries must be flash-fiction (very short stories), so word limit is 1,000 words max. There is no minimum, so poetry is perfectly acceptable!

2. Submissions go live immediately and end October 16th by midnight (wherever you are in the world). To submit, post the story on your profile and then tag the story #HauntedRomance, plus leave a comment with a link to your story here at the bottom of the page! If your story is part of another collection, be sure to give a direct link to your submission.

3. Our fine judges include lavinialeigh LDCrichton gabycabezut BindingTies

4. Winners will be announced October 23rd.

Prizes:

1st place winner: a shout-out from RomanceSparks, as well as from each of the judges for your story. We'll also post your story here in our contest book, followed by an interview.

2nd & 3rd place winners: a shout-out from RomanceSparks, as well as from each of the judges for your story.

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Remember, we want romance whether heartbreaking or uplifting, but we also love to be surprised. Don't be afraid of the dark, macabre, daring or even the humorous (no bone pun intended). We can't wait to see what you create for us!

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