Hello, Wattpaders! This month, APIRomance is proud to present a writing challenge inspired by Songkran, a Thai New Year celebration. We hope you use this opportunity to learn more about Thailand and its culture!

Choose one prompt and create a short story:

1. After going through a heartbreak, a traveler comes to Thailand during Songkran, where they meet a friendly local who helps them see things in a new light, and the festival's fresh start leads to a surprising bond between them.

2. During the Songkran festivities in Bangkok, a chance encounter between a backpacker and a local blossoms into a romance, overcoming language and cultural barriers. As they explore the city together, they bond through shared experiences, forming a connection that knows no geographical bounds.

3. During the lively festivities of Songkran, two people keep meeting by chance, their interactions slowly turning into a sweet romance amid the colorful atmosphere of Thailand's water festival.

❀ Your story must feature an Asian protagonist and include Asian cultural values. You are welcome to view the information about our Reading Lists in our Guidebook to get ideas.

❀ This challenge runs from April 15 to April 29, 2024. Your entry must be submitted by Monday, April 29. Any entries received after April 29, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST will not be included in judging.

❀ Your story must be between 1500 and 2500 words.

❀ Your story must abide by Wattpad Content Guidelines.

❀ Your entry must be newly written, especially for this challenge.

❀ You must submit your entry via this FORM (see the in-line comment here).

❀ Please publish your story in a new book or existing short story collection.

❀ We accept stories in English, Spanish, Korean, and Thai

❀ OPTIONAL: Tag your stories with #APIRomanceChallenge #Songkran #ThaiNewYear and/or #APIRomance

We hope you have fun!

❀ A shout-out from the APIRomance profile.

❀ For participating, you can add the Participant's Sticker to your book cover. Download the sticker here (see the in-line comment here).

❀ If your story is a standalone book, it will be featured in our reading list, with the opportunity to be featured in our Reading List Spotlight.

Do I have to make a new book?

You can submit an existing or separate book, but please ensure that when submitting, the link must be your entry link, and we cannot add your existing short story collection in our respective reading list.

Does it have to be 2,500 words and do I need to write a single chapter only?

Because it's a short story contest, the word limit is that and not over. Adding more than one chapter is welcome but please keep in mind the story must meet our word limit.

Can I do a co-written story with someone?

Yes, you can! However, if you choose to publish on both your profiles, be aware that we can only add one story to our respective reading lists, not both.

Can I enter more than one entry?

Yes, but only one entry can win.

Is Mature Content allowed?

Mature Content is allowed so long as it meets Wattpad's Content Guidelines. Stories that do not meet this won't be accepted.

How will our entries be judged?

Your entries will be judged based on the rubric below:

How do I submit my story for this contest?

Just complete this FORM (see the in-line comment here) and that's it!

Please note this contest and its rules were created by the APIRomance team and is in no way affiliated with Wattpad Ambassadors or Wattpad HQ staff. We reserve the right to refuse entries that do not meet the criteria outlined in the Rules & Guidelines chapter or are triggering to our team. We are not obligated to provide feedback to all users, and any that we do provide is at our discretion.

Extensions will not be granted to ensure everyone is given an equal amount of time to complete and submit their entries. The decision of the judges is final and any abusive language directed towards the profile and its team will not be tolerated and will likely result in disqualification of your entry. Please review the guidelines carefully prior to submitting and send us a message if you have any questions or concerns you would like to raise.