Writer’s Challenge for Spring 2027

Choose ONE card from the choices above, put the name of your card under the word/line count

This issue is dedicated to Samuel R. Delany, who wrote the groundbreaking novel Nova, published January 1, 1968 and had somewhat to say about tarot in those pages.

“Mouse, the seventy-eight cards of the Tarot present symbols and mythological images that have recurred and reverberated through forty-five centuries of human history. Someone who understands these symbols can construct a dialogue about a given situation. There’s nothing superstitious about it.” ― Samuel R. Delany, Nova

We offer a tarot challenge to all speculative fiction writers and poets! Sharpen those quills!

Submissions open May 19, 2026 (limited) June 21st, 2026 for everyone.

Submit here: https://forms.gle/ZAj2AjbFoA11V5rB7

Closes October, 2026

Please state: Spring 2027 “Yellow Kings, Red Queens and Broken Things” on your manuscript under the word count. And: do not forget your name & contact info! (Poets, we’re looking at you.)

Please read the guidelines thoroughly.

Manuscripts received before May 2026, by any other method, or not in Shunn Standard Manuscript Form will not be read.

Priority Read for writers living in climate related disaster areas and war zones. Please note this status on your cover letters.