Annual Bess Streeter Aldrich Short Story Contest, 2025

Bess Streeter Aldrich Short Story Contest, 2025

Seeking Original Short Stories  

To honor Nebraska author Bess Streeter Aldrich and recognize outstanding writing, the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation announces its 2025 Short Story Contest.

Objective/Theme: To generate a fictional short story that is written in the wholesome spirit displayed by Bess Streeter Aldrich in her works while incorporating a theme that focuses on Nebraska’s family life, economy, history, cultural diversity, and/or geography (past, present, and/or future). Writers are encouraged to focus on historical and/or realistic topics remembering that Mrs. Aldrich had a passion for Nebraska, small-town dynamics, and family antics.

Resources: Books by the author that writers can read to generate ideas about content and style are:

Short Works 1907-1919; Short Works 1920-1954; Mother Mason; The Rim of the Prairie; The Cutters; Spring Came on Forever; A Lantern in Her Hand; A White Bird Flying; Miss Bishop; Song of Years; The Lieutenant's Lady; Journey into Christmas; The Drum Goes Dead; and The Man Who Caught the Weather.

Eligibility (Four divisions):

Adult:  1st Prize $100; 2nd Prize $50; 3rd Prize $25

High School (Grades 9-12):   1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15

Middle School (Grades 6-8):  1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15  

Intermediate School (Grades 3-5):  1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15

*Schools are limited to 15 submissions per teacher. Family members of the Aldrich Foundation Board are not eligible.

Length: 1,000 to 2,000 words (there is no minimum word requirement for the Intermediate Category)

Scoring: Stories will be based upon the writer’s effective use of theme and the use of the six-traits of writing.

Results: Winners will be notified by email in mid-May and invited to a recognition event. A winners’ list will be posted on the Bess Streeter Aldrich website (bessstreeteraldrich.org). Winners grant the BSA Foundation the right to reprint the stories.

*Also, anyone who enters the contest is eligible for a free tour anytime before December 31, 2025. A master list of participants will be maintained at the registration desk. Simply tell the guide you were a short story participant.

Submission Process: Stories should be submitted here by midnight April 15, 2025. A submission link is also found at www.bessstreeteraldrich.org/short-story-contest. Questions about the contest or an alternative paper submission can be directed to Kurk Shrader, Executive Director (email aldrichfoundation@gmail.com or call 402-867-4233).

Questions about the contest or an alternative paper submission can be directed to Kurk Shrader, Executive Director (email aldrichfoundation@gmail.com or call 402-867- 4233).

Results: Winners will be notified by mid-May and invited to a recognition event. Winners grant the BSA Foundation the right to reprint the stories.

The winners’ list will be posted on the Bess Streeter Aldrich website.