a PHC Arts COuncil Event
The Eugene Gulish
Writing Competition
A literary competition for anyone located around Paris-Henry County and beyond. Entries are submitted online, with prize money distributed to honor award winners.
expand_more
Our 2026 Event
The Eugene Gulish Writing Competition
Prompt: A Door That Was Never There "After years of living in the same house, you discover a door in your home that you’ve never seen before. It’s in a room you visit every day, yet you swear it wasn’t there before. When you open it, what lies beyond?" Stories must not exceed 1,500 words
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 20th
Awards: winners announced with prize money for various awards described below
Categories: Adult Division (18+) and Youth Division (14-17 years old)
Average # of Entries: 30+
Sign Up Deadline: February 20th, 2026
Writers Enter Here
Show off your creative writing skills and earn big! Prize money will be awarded in both the Adult and Youth Divisions. This is an online event with an in-person reception. All stories will be published on our website for your viewing pleasure.
Official Entry Rules
THEME: A Door That Was Never There "After years of living in the same house, you discover a door in your home that you’ve never seen before. It’s in a room you visit every day, yet you swear it wasn’t there before. When you open it, what lies beyond?" Stories must not exceed 1,500 words
SUBMISSIONS: Authors may submit up to three stories, but the prize money will only be awarded to one story. Stories with course obscenities or erotica will be disqualified.
PRIZE MONEY: This will be given to the top three entries:
Adult Division (18 years old and above):
First place: $100
Second place: $75
Third place: $50
Judges’ Choice for the best overall story: $150
Youth Division (14-17 years old):
First place: $75
Second place: $50
Third place: $25
QUALIFICATIONS: Judges will consider the plot, story structure, character development, setting, grammar, and sentence structure during judging.
LOCATIONS: In addition to Henry County, manuscripts from these counties will be accepted: Benton, Carroll, Weakley, Gibson, Dyer, Obion, Stewart, Montgomery, and Houston counties in Tennessee, along with Calloway and Marshall counties in Kentucky
DEADLINE: Your complete entry must be received no later than 11:59 pm, February 21st, 2024.
Submit your manuscript here.
You must include the title of the manuscript you are submitting.
You must include your name, permanent address, phone number, and e-mail. Include parents’ or guardians’ names for youth authors.
The contact info provided will be used to contact winners.
The Writing Competition
In the News
