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Student Science Fiction and Fantasy Contest

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Peggy Rae Sapienza and Judy Kindell, contest

Student Science Fiction and Fantasy Contest

Sponsored by
L.A.con IV, the 64th World Science Fiction Convention,
and Baltimore Worldcon 1998, Inc.

Science fiction and fantasy expand horizons and open new worlds for their readers. The stories they tell can take us to the farthest reaches of the universe, explore new facets of the world around us, or take us to a magical realm. . . . Science fiction and fantasy aren't limited to the written word. Science fiction and fantasy art can illustrate a story or tell one of its own. . . . Science fiction is grounded in science fact. The science of today, whether it is exploring the possibility of life on Mars or mapping the human genetic structure, can serve as the basis for science fiction stories.

L.A.con IV, the 64th World Science Fiction Convention, in conjunction with Baltimore Worldcon 1998, Inc., an IRS section 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is sponsoring a contest for the best short story with a science fiction or fantasy theme, the best science fiction or fantasy artwork, and the best science essay. This contest is open to all students in elementary school (5th grade and below), middle school (6th through 8th grade) and high school (9th through 12th grade). Each entry must include a completed entry form. Each student may enter/win in any or all of the story, art or essay categories, but may only enter once in each of the categories. Please do not include the student's name on the front of any entry.

The short story must be an original story with a science fiction or fantasy theme. It must be in English, typewritten using a standard business font and double-spaced. It must be at least 5 pages long for students in elementary school, 10 pages long for students in middle school, and 15 pages long for students in high school, and should be no more than 50 pages. Entries will be judged on their originality and creativity, grammar and spelling, structure, character development, plot development, and the use of science fiction and fantasy elements.

The artwork must be an original work with a science fiction or fantasy theme, in pencil, pen & ink, pastels, charcoal, or paint. It must be a flat, two-dimensional piece that is mounted in a mat suitable for hanging, at least 5" by 7" and no more than 11" by 17". It may be an illustration of an existing story or an original idea. Entries will be judged on their originality and creativity, artistic technique, and the use of science fiction and fantasy elements.

The science essay must be a factual work including a list of references used. It must be in English, typewritten using a standard business font and double spaced. It must be at least 3 pages long for elementary school students, 6 pages for middle school students, and 9 pages for high school students, and should be no more than 35 pages. Entries will be judged on content, grammar and spelling, structure, and use of references.

Entries should be mailed to Student Science Fiction and Fantasy Contest, P.O. Box 314, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701, USA. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2006. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony honoring the contestants at L.A.con IV on Saturday, August 26, 2006.

Entries may be displayed at science fiction conventions and may be (non-exclusively) published by Baltimore Worldcon 1998, Inc. Entries will not be returned.

All contestants will receive a certificate for participating. Semi-finalists will be invited to attend L.A.con IV for Saturday, August 26, 2006. Finalists will also receive a commemorative T-shirt and a $10 gift certificate from a major book store. The winners will be invited to attend all five days of L.A.con IV and will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a $50 gift certificate from a major book store.

L.A.con IV will be held August 23 through 27, 2006, in Anaheim, CA. For more information, see their website at laconiv.org. For more information about this contest, see www.bucconeer.worldcon.org .