FAQs

Can I start in any month?

Yes, you will be joining the 2020 group. So, if you start in June, that will be month one for you and then May 2021 will be month 12.

What are the points all about?

The points are wonky at the moment (we’re working on it), but you should earn one point per month per story or poem. The goal is to earn twelve points in twelve months. To qualify for a point your story or poem must be submitted on time, with the correct word count(NA for poetry) and be relevant to the theme. You can see your points on the leaderboard.

Does the copyright remain with me?

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

Does the word count have to be exact?

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

Can I post 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.

How do I comment on another writer’s story or poem?

Please read the evaluation guidelines below.

Be specific:

‘I don’t like it’ or ‘Wow, I love this’ is, hard to learn to from. Break the story up into sections and try to give praise, advice, and comments about specific sections or topics.

Be positive:

This is hard enough without having other writers tell you your writing sucks. Chances are you know it needs work or you wouldn’t be here.

Be kind:

I am not explaining this. If you are not sure about this one, please refrain from commenting.

Do I have to read other writers’ stories or poems?

Yes, you post one story or poem and comment on four other stories or poems. You can comment on more stories or poems if you wish.

What do the levels mean?

Level one is free.

You get prompts, deadlines and comments.
You become part of the best writing community on the internet.

Level two is $50, you get all the free stuff plus:

A full appraisal of any one of your twelve stories
Free entry into the 2019 short story competition, making you eligible for super cool prizes. (The competition will work a little differently this year. The entry fee for the competition is $35.

Level three is awesome and costs $450. It includes all the free stuff, plus:

12 appraisals of your story before you post it on the site
12 coaching sessions with Mia throughout the year
Added accountability
A year-long learning experience
Free entry into the 2019 short story competition, valued at $35.
A free copy of Write The Crap Out Of It and Other Short Story Writing Advice by Mia Botha (Published early 2019, available on Amazon).

Level Four is for poetry. It’s free.

You get prompts, deadlines and comments.
You become part of the best writing community on the internet.

Who can read my story or poem?

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.

When is the competition happening?

The competition will take place during the second half of 2020. There will be two deadlines. You will receive a new prompt, which will be different from the 12 Short Stories monthly prompt. The prizes are going to be awesome. Fee $35.

The competition is currently for short stories only. You will be notified of a poetry competition should we have one.

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 trying to write 12 short stories in 12 months (for the fourth time). She is also writing 12 poems again.

What are #braggingrights?

Writers who earn #12/12 receive a super cool badge. You have to write 12 short stories or 12 poems in 12 consecutive months to qualify. That means your stories and poems are posted on time, are relevant to the prompt and have the correct word count(Word count not applicable for poems).

Where can I find you on social media?

Join the 12 Short Stories Facebook Group. Lots of action happens here.

Join the 12 Poems Facebook Group to keep up to date with the poetry challenge.

Where is 12 Short Stories based?

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

Do I have to post at a specific time?

Stories and poems 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 and poems, please.