FAQs – 12 Short Stories

What is 12 Short Stories?

12 Short Stories is an online writing community. We write 12 short stories in 12 months.

What is Deadlines For Writers?

Deadlines For Writers is the home of several writing challenges. We help writers beat procrastination by providing prompts, deadlines and a place to post their work. We give and receive kind, but constructive feedback.

Can anyone join?

It is for writers older than 18.

What does it cost?

12 Short Stories and 12 Poems are free challenges.

Can I start in any month?

Yes, you will be joining the 2024 group. So, if you start in June, that will be month one for you and then May 2025 will be month 12.

Does the copyright remain with me?

Yes, it does. Please note you do post here at your own risk.

Must I use the prompt?

Yes.

Does the word count have to be exact?

Yes, as exact as possible. It is part of the discipline and will help you become a better writer.

Can I post at any time?

No, please only post on the day of the deadline. 

I missed the deadline. Can I still post my story?

No, unfortunately not. You can only post on the day of the deadline. No late submissions will be posted.

Who can read my story?

Your story will be read by members of the site. The site and your profile can also be found on Google. The first part of your story(usually the first paragraph) will be visible on the SERP page of Google, but a reader must log in to read the whole story.

Where is Deadlines For Writers based?

We work from Pretoria, South Africa. Time zone: GMT: +2:00

Do I have to post at a specific time?

Stories are approved from 8 AM on the day of the deadline until 8 AM the following morning. As long as you post in that window you will be fine.

Is there an age restriction?

Yes, no under 18s. These are adults writing adult stories. Take heed of the warnings. Like in any bookstore you are responsible for your own reading experience.

Can I post in any language?

No, only English stories, please.

What are #braggingrights?

Writers who earn #12/12 receive a super cool badge. You have to write 12 short stories in 12 consecutive months to qualify. That means your stories are posted on time, are relevant to the prompt and have the correct word count.

Where can I find you on social media?

Join the Deadlines for Writers Facebook Group. Lots of action happens here.

Who is Mia?

Mia has used her many years of procrastination experience to create 12 Short Stories. She is a writer and a writing teacher, as well as a master of desk organisation and tile grout scrubbing. After yet another year of unfinished manuscripts, random scribbles and self-loathing she decided to set this challenge for herself, it turns out she is not the only one who needed to out-source her discipline. Right now, she is working on novel in the 52 Scenes Challenge. Read more at www.miabotha.com

More Questions?

Please mail us: write@12shortstories.com