Writing Center to judge Halloween Flash Fiction

On Monday, Oct. 8, Roosevelt undergrad and senior staff tutor, Chris Sutter, officially posted flyers on campus introducing the Writing Center’s Fourth Annual Flash Fiction Contest. This is Sutter’s second year tutoring students on writing skills and his first time running the contest at Roosevelt University.

The Halloween-themed contest is accepting submissions from all Roosevelt University students. It’s aim: help promote the writing center community and encourage students to pursue creative efforts.

“Everyone is welcome,” Sutter said.  “We will all appreciate the fact that you submitted something creative, you know, regardless of your major, or whatever.”

Entrants must write a horror story at a maximum of 500 words using all 15 of the following words: lightning, convulsing, skull, dungeon, grotesque, bloody, rusted, noose, brooding, mist, belly, paralyze, piercing, stranger, and love.

“We accept email submissions [at writingcenter@roosevelt.edu]. They can also drop off a copy here at the Auditorium Building 650,” Sutter said.

The deadline is Oct. 22.

Graduate students, Timothy Moore and James Orbesen, and undergraduate student Chris Sutter will judge the scary stories based on creativity and quality of writing. The names on submitted works will be temporarily removed for judging to eliminate any potential bias.

On Oct. 25, the top three chosen contestants will be announced at 5 p.m. in AUD 650. Food and pizza will be served for guests, and the winner will receive a Roosevelt tote bag with books selected by the Writing Center staff.

Submitted stories can range from dark and scary to lighthearted and funny.

“We can even talk about their story with them,” said Timothy Moore, a senior staff tutor and MFA creative writing student. “It’s a great event and a good way to start the holiday season.”

“I really enjoy it,” Sutter said. “I enjoy the conversations we have with people, and promoting a sense of community that we have here in the writing center. Because we know we all love it, but we would love to invite others to join in and enjoy it too.”

Don’t get scared! Tweet us your flash fiction ideas @RUTORCH and submit your story to the contest.