The Writing Center is accepting entries for a Halloween Short Story Fiction Contest until Oct. 22.

Alyssa Johnson, assistant director of the Writing Center, said she started the event so the university could have its first fiction writing contest. Halloween is known for its ghost stories, so Johnson said she thought it would be fun for students fun to write their own.

Johnson said students often think the Writing Center is only for English 111 papers or getting APA citation help.

“But I really want to let it be known we do more than that,” Johnson said. “And I think we have a lot of creative writers on campus.”

Dr. Cole Bennett, director of the Writing Center, approved this contest. He said students can show their creative writing potential regardless of what their career paths are.

“If you are an engineering major or math major, you might want to write and you should know about the Writing Center,” Bennett said.

Editors of The Shinnery Review, the university’s annual student literary magazine, partnered with the Writing Center for the contest. Students who don’t win the Halloween Short Story Contest, can still publish their work in the journal.

“In fact, there will be a lot of great short stories submitted,” Bennett said. “I’m guessing that they won’t win but they will be great. And The Shinnery Review will want them.”

Contest entries must be a spooky story with 400-1500 words. The winner will receive a gift card. If enough students participate, the Writing Center may host a Valentine’s Day Love Poetry Contest.

“If no one participates, I don’t know if we can do it,” Johnson said. “But my fingers are crossed.”

Stories should be sent to Alyssa Johnson at aqj11a@acu.edu.