Mental Health Week runs from May 2nd to 8th 2016 all across Canada. @ChemNotCharacter will be running a short story contest to raise awareness for this important cause as well as to encourage readers and writers to express themselves in a safe and positive environment.

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So when is it?

Since Mental Health Week runs from May 2nd to 8th, we will take submissions up to April 20th, 2016.

When will the winners be announced?

A total of 5 winners will be selected. One will be announced every day of mental health week with the first-place winner to be announced on Friday, May 8th, 2016.

What's the criteria?

In order to qualify, your story must:

• be between 1, 000 and 5, 000 words total

• be divided into no more than 3 parts (not including author's notes or dedications)

• have at least one central character afflicted with at least on of the mental illnesses defined in A Writer's Guide to Mental Illness.

• contain a self-motivated act of recovery (anything from opening up to a friend or family member to seeking the help of psychiatrist)

• NOT romanticize or trivialize sufferers of mental illnesses

How do I enter?

To enter the contest, at the tag #CNCcontest and link your story in the comments of this chapter.

What happens if I win?

Prizes TBD.

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Happy writing!