Originally published on The EPIC Blog.

The long, dark nights of winter have represented a time of introspection, wool-gathering, and storytelling throughout human history. As summer’s vitality recedes and the world outside takes on a silent and stark character, our ancestors sought warmth and company by the fireside. Within this cozy and intimate setting, the tradition of telling ghost stories flourished. There’s a unique magic in sharing eerie tales as the wind howls outside and shadows dance on the walls. The chill in the air demands equally chilling tales. This time-honored practice connects us not only to our roots as natural storytellers but also to the primal fear and wonder at the mysteries that exist just beyond the edge of the fire’s light.

This winter season, EPIC Carteret invites you to revive the age-old tradition of pushing back the shadows with ghostly tales by the fireside. If you’ve got a connection to Carteret County, we want you to submit your eeriest original tales inspired by the Crystal Coast to our Winter Hauntings Ghost Story Contest.

Submission Guidelines

  • Word Limit: 1,300 words.
  • Theme: Carteret County-inspired ghost stories.
  • Eligibility: Writers must have a connection to Carteret County, be it through birth, residency, familial ties, or other significant connections. Additionally, all participants must be 16 years or older.

For detailed submission instructions, head to our Contest Page.

Important Dates

  • October 31: We’ll begin taking submissions.
  • November 13: Deadline for open submissions.
  • November 27: Deadline for submissions from Carteret Writers Members and CCC students.
  • December 11: Deadline for writers in Life Enrichment Winter Hauntings ghost story writing course, which starts in November. Seats are limited.

If you decide to take the Winter Hauntings course, I’d still recommend getting started and using the classes as an opportunity to refine your story and work out any kinks.

Judging and Rewards

I will not be judging the contest, but I can assure you that you will be in good hands. Judges include Poisoned Press author Tom Kies, Beaufort Bookstagrammer Tara Sandmann, and the horror aficionado who introduced me to the British ghost story tradition, U.K.-based Bookstagrammer Kelly Shorter.

Selected finalists will have their tales of terror brought to life by local actors at the Winter Hauntings Ghost Storytelling Event on January 11 (more on that later, but save the date), and their stories will also be shared during a special EPIC Carteret Winter Hauntings podcast series and in an anthology of local horror to be produced in 2024.

Don’t be scared! Be scary!

Light a candle and pull out your quill and ink. It’s time to weave your chilling tale of phantoms, ghouls, and unexplained mysteries. The skeletal beauty of the season awaits your words, and so do I!

Join us in this chilling journey and submit your story now!

Questions? For any queries or support, contact us at [email protected].