Frequently asked questions
If you are unable to find the answer to your question in this FAQ, please email us at hello@forestandfawnretreats.com
Your story must include:
The first and last sentence must include "Nothing is/was as it seems/seemed" or “Nothing is/was quite as it seems/seemed.” This can be a standalone sentence or included in the first and last sentence, but must appear within the sentence as written in the prompt.
A character notorious for breaking things.
A message in a bottle.
You have creative freedom in how you use the following prompts, but each prompt should be clearly recognizable in the story. If readers can’t identify the required elements, this will be reflected in your score.
Note: the prompts do not all have to be in the main storyline, but they should still play an important role in character development or plot progression.
general
Can I edit my story after I’ve submitted it?
Yes! You will be able to edit your submission until challenge end time at 9pm ET on June 16th, 2025. After this deadline, stories are final. Double-check for errors and ensure the story follows all guidelines before submitting.
is any type of content banned?
Yes. We do not accept bigoted stories that promote harmful rhetoric. If we receive a story like this, it will be immediately disqualified.
Can I submit fanfic?
No. For this challenge we are not recognizing fanfic. This is because not all of our readers will have read the original series and therefore wouldn’t understand the full context of the characters.
Can I post my story on social media after I submit it?
You may not share the title of your story with any of the review panel or on social media before the results are announced. This is to ensure that the judging process remains strictly anonymous.
Can I use generative ai to help me write my story?
No. We do not accept stories written by AI, even partly. Your submission must be 100% written by you and if applicable, a co-author (a human one).
I’ve never written fantasy before. What do I need to include?
Your story must include elements of the fantasy genre. For example, epic themes, mythical creatures, magic systems, world-building, quests, fantastic objects, mythology, etc.
Can I adopt a portion of my novel-in-progress to be a short story for this challenge?
Your story short must be written specifically for this challenge. If you want to use the same world and characters from your novel, you are welcome to do so.
Can I submit multiple entries?
No, only one entry per writer.
Do I have to include all three prompts in my story?
Yes!
Can my story be part of a larger novel or series?
Yes, but it should be a self-contained, stand alone story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Readers should not need to read other works to understand it.
Can I write in first-person or third-person?
You’re free to use any POV (point of view) that best fits your story and characters.
Can I mix fantasy subgenres?
Absolutely! You can explore high fantasy, urban fantasy, historical fantasy, dark fantasy, or any blend that fits your vision.
Can I use characters and worlds from past challenges?
Yes! However this story needs to be written during the week of the challenge, and must read as a stand alone short story vs part of a larger project.
Should we include trigger warnings?
Yes, there will be an option to add these when you submit your story.
can i have someone read/review my work before submitting?
Yes, you can have friends review your submission, so long as none of them are a reader/reviewer for this challenge.
formatting
What is the word count requirement for the challenge?
Your story must be a maximum of 2,000 words. This does not include the title and synopsis. There is no minimum.
How strict are you on the word count?
Strict! A story will not qualify if it exceeds 2000 words, excluding the title page and synopsis.
What word counter do you use?
We check word counts in Google Docs.
Can i include page numbers?
Yes.
what goes on the title page?
Just your title and a short synopsis. NOT YOUR NAME.
Can i use a unique font for the title page?
Yes, just make sure it is still legible.
can i add artwork to the title page?
Yes. This will not impact your score and is just for fun!
can i add character art?
Yes. This will not impact your score and is just for fun!
Does my title page count toward the 2,000 word limit?
No.
What DOES count toward the 2,000 word limit?
Everything after your title page counts. That includes glossaries, poems, opening quotes, footnotes, anecdotes. Be as creative with these elements as you’d like, just do so within the word limit.
Can I include a glossary?
Sure! It WILL count toward your 2,000 word limit.
can i include a dedication?
Sure! Add this to the title page and it will not count toward the word limit.
Can I include a map?
You can include a map that takes up no more than 1 full page. This will not impact your score and is just for fun!
What size/font should I use?
12 pt font. Acceptable fonts are: Times New Roman, Garamond, Courier, or New Courier.
What type of file should I save my story as?
Your file should be saved as a .doc (Word document 97-2003), .docx (Word document), or pdf (Portable Document Format).
What size spacing should I use?
Please use double-spacing.
How should I name my file?
The name of your file should be the title of your short story. DO NOT include your name in the file name. This is to ensure that we keep submissions anonymous for our readers. For example, if the title of your story is “Wicked,” your file should look like this: wicked.doc or wicked.docx or wicked.pdf. Do not worry, we will be able to cross-reference your story back to you after all of the judging is complete.
theme
What types of faeries will count?
There is a lot of room to explore here! There are many kinds of fae folk including high fae, sprites, pixies, selkies, kelpies, leprechauns, trolls, gnomes, changelings, elves, dark fairies, brownies, banshees, and more. There is room for interpretation here, so long as the focus is on fae!
can i include multiple types of fae?
Yes, use as many as you want!
Can my story have dark themes?
Yes, but be mindful of content warnings if your story includes sensitive topics. Make sure that any dark themes contribute to character development.
can i include spicy content?
Yes, just include a content warning when you submit.
can i include explicit content?
Yes, but please include trigger warnings/content warnings.
Is foul language/cursing allowed?
Yes, cursing/swearing is allowed.
prompts
Can I interpret the prompts loosely?
You have creative freedom, but each prompt should be clearly recognizable in the story. If readers can’t identify the required elements, the story may not qualify.
Can the prompts be part of a subplot?
Yes! The prompts don’t all have to be in the main storyline, but they should still play an important role in character development or plot progression.
can i use the required phrase as part of the first and last lines rather than the entire line?
Yes, but the phrase must appear within the sentence exactly as written in the prompt.
can i use a different variation of the required phrase?
For this prompt, we will accept both “Nothing is/was quite as it seems/seemed” or “Nothing is/was as it seems/seemed” but no other variations.
does the message have to be specifically in a bottle or can it be in a different container?
The message should be in a bottle or a comparable container. For example, an envelope would not be considered comparable, but a flask would be.
can my character be infamous for breaking things that are intangible?
Yes! Feel free to get creative here so long as the prompt is still clear to the reader.
Does it matter how the prompts are included?
You have creative freedom with how you choose to integrate the prompts, however they should flow within the story. Points may be deducted if they don’t fit or feel "thrown in” in order to meet a requirement.
review process and scoring
How will my story be judged?
Stories will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Creativity & Originality – Unique take on the prompts and theme
Storytelling & Engagement – Well-paced, immersive narrative, flow
Character Development – Believable, emotionally compelling characters
Use of Required Prompts – Effective, meaningful, and creative integration of all three prompts
Technical Execution – Grammar, clarity, formatting, and overall polish
World-Building — Creative world-building & appropriate amount for a short story
Who will be reviewing my submission?
A team of reviewers, which may include editors, teachers, writing professionals, and fantasy/romance enthusiasts, will read and score each story.
How many people will score my story?
A minimum of two people will score every story with a rubric. This number will increase for those stories that advance to the second and third rounds of review.
Will I receive feedback on my story?
Yes! All stories that are submitted on time through Submittable will receive written feedback within one week after results are announced.
what can i expect from feedback?
You will receive feedback from at least one reviewer in each round your story advances to. The amount of feedback you receive will depend on how many rounds your story goes through. Feedback will include comments from the reviewer regarding what was done well in the story as well as potential areas for improvement.
Are stories reviewed anonymously?
Yes, judges will read submissions without knowing the author’s name to ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation.
How long does the review process take?
Depending on the amount of submissions received, the review process can take up to three months.
Will I be notified if my story is disqualified?
No. If your story is disqualified, the missing elements in the story will be reflected in the score and would prevent it from moving on to the next round. These stories will still receive feedback.
Will I be notified if my story doesn’t move on to the next round of review?
No. All results will be announced at one time within 3 months after challenge start time.
Can I contest my score or ask for a reevaluation?
No. All scores are final.
Do you allow reviewers to use A.I. to write reviews?
No. The use of A.I. is not allowed anywhere in the review process.
rights and publishing
Will my story be published if I win or place in the challenge?
Yes! Your story will be published on the Forest & Fawn website and/or other platforms.
Will I retain the rights to my story after submitting it?
Yes, you will retain the full rights to your story no matter what. If you place, Forest & Fawn reserves the right to publish your story on the Forest & Fawn website and/or other platforms.