LUCAS – The new Don Wilcox Science Fiction/Fantasy Amateur Short Story Contest is an annual juried contest, a partnership between the Blue Hills Heritage Foundation of Lucas, Kansas and the Lucas Public Library.

It is for amateurs only (those who have never received money for published works). There is no entry fee. Awards will be given to the winners in each category.

The contest is divided into two divisions:
1. Young Adult (7-12 grades).
2. Adult.
(Note: this applies to the author’s age, not to the kind of story)

Short Story Submission Guidelines:
• All stories are limited to 7,500 words.
• Stories must be previously unpublished.
• No inappropriate language or explicitly mature themes. Submissions deemed to have such content by the contest organizers will be disqualified.
• Stories must be typed and in English.
• Submissions should be single-spaced in Times New Roman font, size 12.
• Submissions are to be printed hard copy and mailed to the following address:
Don Wilcox Story Contest
Lucas Public Library
P.O. Box 278 / 209 South Main Street
Lucas KS 67648

• Submissions will not be returned unless return postage is included.
• All stories are to be submitted with the following information on their author:
1. Name
2. Street address
3. Phone contact
4. Email address
5. Age of author

Contest Timeline:
February 1, 2019 – Contest is announced
May 1, 2019 – Deadline for submissions
July 1, 2019 – List of finalists for each category released
September 5, 2019 – Winners revealed

The contest is in honor of Cleo Eldon “Don” Wilcox (1905-2000), Lucas, Kansas native and a popular science fiction/fantasy writer in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s – the Golden Age of Science Fiction.

Mary Ann Steinle is the librarian for the Lucas Public Library in Lucas, Kansas. They can be reached at 785-525-6305, M-W & F-S.

The Blue Hills Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Lucas, Kansas, Von Rothenberger, Secretary/Treasurer. Their email is [email protected]. They can be reached at 785-469-7000.