Kane Parsons’s debut horror film Backrooms revolves around the discovery of a labyrinthine parallel universe of mysteriously empty rooms and hallways which are entered through the basement of a furniture store. The concept originates from “Backrooms” website threads in which users post and contribute writing—essentially cocreating fictional horror accounts akin to urban legends—about an otherworldly dimension that exists in a liminal space, inspired by a photo depicting several empty rooms tinged in fluorescent yellowish lighting. This week, think of a space that feels mundane or familiar to you, such as a furniture store, the corridors of an expansive hotel, or a school basement. Then write a short story inspired by the image of the space when it’s devoid of any activity. Consider the lighting, furnishings, and sounds that accompany the space and what might enhance a menacing or unsettling scene.
Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.