The Penumbra Script: Shadow Edition

"Because the best stories often emerge from the edges of light."

About the Contest

Penumbra Penned invites writers to explore the shadows of storytelling in our inaugural The Penumbra Script: Shadow Edition.

This competition seeks narratives that challenge conventions, sparks innovation, explore the liminal spaces of human experience, and find beauty in the complicated truths that lie between light and dark.

Theme

Contest Theme

Let your shadow speak—unveiling the mesmerizing and mysterious visions that only your light can bring to life.

Embrace the interplay between light and darkness. Let the unseen parts of yourself reveal truths that only emerge when cast against the glow of your own awareness and insight.

Key Dates

Submission Portal Opens

1s July, 2025

Begin submitting your entries through our online portal.

Early Bird Deadline

15th July, 2025

Last day to submit entries at the reduced rate of ₹99 per entry.

Final Deadline

15th August, 2025

Last day to submit entries at the standard rate of ₹149 per entry.

Entry Fees

Early Bird Rate: ₹99 per entry (July 1st to July 15th)
Standard Rate: ₹149 per entry (July 16th to August 15th)
Multiple Entries Discount: 3 entries for ₹399

Prizes

Grand Winner

Cash Prize: ₹10,000
Publishing: Full book publication with Penumbra Penned
Feature: Author spotlight in penumbra magazine

Second Place

Cash Prize: ₹5,000
Feature: Author interview on Penumbra Penned website

Third Place

Cash Prize: ₹2,500
Feature: Author spotlight on website and social media

Top 30 Entries

All finalists will be published in the exclusive Shadow Script Anthology by Penumbra Penned.

Submission Guidelines

Word Count: 1,500 to 5,000 words
Genre: Open to all fiction that aligns with theme
Eligibility: Open to all Indian writers, ages 16+
Accepted Formats: Poetry, Fiction, Epistolary, Creative Non-fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Stories