Science Fiction Contest 3!!! (May 14, 2024) · 7:34pm March 25th
Hey folks,
It's contest time! Wooooo!
Science Fiction doesn't get a lot of love in this fandom -- it's a bit contra the setting, which is filled with magic and fantastic, mythological creatures and castles and what-not. But some of my favorite MLP works have pushed the boundaries of the setting, either dipping their toes in a Sci-fi milieu (I would put the Friendship is Optimal series in this category), or diving head-first into full-on science fiction (Arad's Stardust, any of Starscribe's many futuristic works, et cetera). It's a genre I love to read, but I admittedly haven't written much of it myself.
The big exception so far was Refraction's Edge, a favorite-if-flawed story I wrote for Bicyclette's first Science Fiction Contest, back in 2022. I don't think I would've found the gumption or inspiration to write the story if not for the contest, which is why I'm excited to share that Bicyclette is back with Science Fiction Contest III, with a $400 prize pool and several prize categories designed to spread the love, including Best New Author, Best Short Story (under 5k words), and Best Happy Story.
I'm also happy to announce that I'll be participating in the contest this year as a judge, rather than a writer! Joining me will be the inimitable GaPJaxie, Mr. Aquaman and our host, Bicyclette.
Stories may be published and complete by the close of submissions on May 12. There's a group for them over here, where you can add them yourself (or PM Bicyclette).
Check out the full post announcing the contest, as well as all the rules. Can't wait to see the science fiction awesomeness our community is able to create!
👁👁
🙂
You might be surprised at the overlap between MLP and sci-fi. Science fiction - good science fiction - tends to be an examination of society or humanity using a fantastic setting that highlights the traits being explored. Traditionally it's a futuristic setting as a way of saying 'this is what may lie ahead for us', but a fantasy setting works just as well.