Hello, Wattpaders! This month, WattpadAsianFiction and AmbassadorsCN are proud to present a writing challenge inspired by the Lunar New Year. We invite you to join us and celebrate the Year of the Dragon!

Choose one prompt and create a short story:

1. A small shopkeeper near you claimed that their lanterns brought soulmates together when lit. You bought three, secretly hoping for a miracle. When your first two didn't burn, you gave up but they say, third time's the charm.

2. You scoffed at the idea of magpie bridges and love, and you were ready to call it a day when your lantern never even got off the bridge. But the magpies do lead someone to you, who has a solution for both your lantern and your heart.

3. You were decorating your apartment for the Lunar New Festival, but living alone and being shy, you don't talk to anyone much. You're all set to spend the festival alone but your new neighbor has other plans.

❀ Your entry must be submitted by Monday, February 26. Any entries received after February 26, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST will not be included in judging.

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

❀ Your story must be between 1500 and 2500 words.

❀ Your story must abide by Wattpad's Content Guidelines.

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

❀ You must submit your entry via this FORM.

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

❀ We accept stories in English and Chinese.

❀ OPTIONAL: Tag your stories with #WattpadAsianFictionChallenge #LunarNewYear and/or #AsianFiction

We hope you have fun!

❀ A shout-out from the WattpadAsianFiction and AmbassadorsCN profiles.

❀ For participating, you can add the Participant's Sticker to your book cover. Download the sticker 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 1,500 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.

What about Mature? Are LGBTQ+ characters allowed?

Of course! We always welcome LGBTQ+ characters and stories. Mature 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?

Stories are judged on various factors, such as writing quality, originality, and the relation to our prompt. Ensure you are proofreading your works before submitting!

How do I submit my story for this contest?

Just complete this FORM and that's it!

Please note, this contest and its rules are the creation of a team of Ambassadors (volunteers) and is in no way affiliated with Wattpad or its staff. Judging of said contest is entirely run by its creators and is not the responsibility of Wattpad or its staff. We reserve the right to refuse entries to this contest, that we feel do not meet the required criteria, that are unsuitable, or potentially triggering. We are not obliged to give any feedback relating to entries, and any given is at our discretion. Please note that the decision of the judges is final, and that abusive language or behaviour directed at the Ambassadors, the profile, or the judges, will not be tolerated.