Join us!
Portland: August 29-30
Seattle: September 19-20
How It Works
The contest starts at noon on Saturday, when teams of writers converge at the starting point (TBA) to receive their first writing prompt and scavenger hunt clues. They head out to several locations around the city to gather all four writing prompts, and have 36 hours to write the best fiction piece they can come up with. Final submissions are due back at the original location by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
The following week, contest stories will be read at an unveiling event in the contest city. The audience will vote on the top three stories, which will go into the running for a grand prize package worth thousands of dollars.
Through the Sledgehammer writing contest, we support writing as a team activity, foster love for the beautiful city of Portland and its small businesses, and thrive through cooperative creativity among people and across the arts.
Rules
- Participants can compete in teams or individually. All team members must be on the registration form.
- One entry per team/individual participant.
- Register online in advance or in person the day of the event.
- All team members must be present at the start location.
- Entries must contain all four writing prompts.
- Entries must be written for an English-speaking audience.
- Entries must be fiction, entirely created by registered team members within the time frame of the contest.
- Photo documentation must be entered with the story.
- Participants must be willing to be photographed and/or interviewed for publicity.
- Participants must be willing and able to read at Wordstock at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland Oct. 10-11.
Indigo is not responsible for the safety of participants or that of people they encounter. Please travel and write responsibly.
FAQs
Q: How many people can be on a team?
A: As many as you want. It’s just $75 for teams of four or more, $60 for teams of three, or $40 for teams of two, but you have to figure out how you divide duties and prizes!
Q: Is there one of every prize for every team member?
A: Nope. Different sponsors have donated different amounts of their prizes, but be certain that there’s something for everyone on your team.
Q: Can I play with form?
A: Sure! Just make sure your story is fiction and written in English.
Q: What’s this writing prompt business? Do I have to do that?
A: Yes, the four components of the writing prompt are required to appear in your final submitted story.
Q: Is there a word count limit?
A: No, but remember that conciseness is usually a sign of better writing.
Q: When will we know who wins?
A: The winning team will be announced the week of October 5.
Q: Do we have to prove that we went to all the writing prompt stops?
A: Yes, photo documentation is required. We will have photographers on site at every prompt location, but you’ll want to have access to your own camera in case you arrive after hours. Disposable cameras will also be available for purchase at the starting point.
Q: What if I don’t already have a team, but I want to compete with one?
A: Let us know! We’ll help you connect with other writers to form a team.
Q: Does everyone on the team have to be at the start and end?
A: The whole team must be present to start, but only one person needs to turn in the story at the end.
Q: Can I compete from another city?
A: Sorry, you must be present to compete. Part of the beauty of Sledgehammer is that we celebrate the city we’re in.
Q: How will the stories be judged?
A: Teams — and their friends and fans — are invited to attend the unveiling (Portland: Monday, August 30, 6 p.m. at the Writers’ Dojo; Seattle: TBA) to read their stories to an audience that will vote on the best stories. If you can’t attend the unveiling, we’ll make sure your story is represented. We’ll also post all entries on the Web site so readers can vote there too. The top three stories from each city will compete for grand prize and will be judged by Indigo Editing & Publications.
Terms and Conditions
Sledgehammer Participation Terms of Agreement By registering to participate in the 2009 Sledgehammer Writing Contest, I and my team agree to the following: All materials submitted will be original, unpublished, and completely created during the thirty-six hours set aside for the contest. No previously written pieces or late entries will be accepted. All materials—including story and digital photos—must be submitted on the provided CD by the deadline. Hard copy photos may be accompany the CD. Written submission must be fiction and in English. One entry per team. Team must be present to start and finish the race. There will be no refunds for teams that register but do not participate. At least one person from the winning team must be present at Wordstock in Portland on October 10 and 11, and willing and able to read the winning story. Authors of all top six entries are invited to read at Wordstock. Participants may be photographed and/or interviewed for publicity purposes. At least one person from each team must be willing and able to cooperate. Indigo owns the rights to contest photographs. Travel responsibly. Sledgehammer and Indigo Editing & Publications are not responsible for injuries to participants or bystanders or damage to property that occurs during the Sledgehammer Writing Contest. Participants take full responsibility for damage they incur. Indigo staff are prohibited from entering. The top six stories will be published by Indigo Editing & Publications, and all submitted stories will be posted on the Sledgehammer Web site. Participants offer first print and online publication rights for these purposes. By registering for Sledgehammer, you agree to these terms and conditions.