Shades of Reality: Exploring Our True African Stories

"Shades of Reality" is a online writing competition for essays or stories that talk about the current realities that face Africa.

Africa's narrative is complex, woven from countless diverse threads. Through "Shades of Reality," I want us to share these untold stories. It's about digging into the nuances of our experiences, beyond the headlines and stereotypes.

Why this competition? Because it's time we define our own narrative. It's about understanding our realities, in all their shades, and envisioning the future we want to create.

Let's tell the real African stories together.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is this?

    "Shades of Reality" is an online writing competition aimed at uncovering the diverse and complex narratives of African life. Its purpose is to provide a platform where anyone with an African story can share their insights, experiences, and visions. The competition is open to everyone who feels connected to Africa and wants to express the multifaceted realities of the continent through writing.

  2. Who is behind this competition?

    My name is Kelvin and I am a believer in the power of great writing. I want to promote readership of African stories everywhere. By day, I am a software developer and have a background in accounting, finance and computer science.

  3. What are the prizes for the competition?

    1st Place: $250
    2nd Place: $150
    3rd Place: $100

    These amounts will be given to the authors of the three essays that really speak to me and stand out in capturing the essence of "Shades of Reality."

  4. How will the prize money be sent?

    We'll use USDC to send your prize money. This method isn't just modern; it's practical. It makes transferring funds easier, quicker, and cheaper, no matter where you are in Africa or the world.

  5. What is the submission deadline for the competition?

    All entries must be submitted by 31 July 2024. Ensure your work is sent in by this date to be part of the "Shades of Reality" journey and to share your narrative with the world.

  6. How do I submit my essay?

    Submit your essay by clicking the submission button above. You will need a Gmail account to access the form. Make sure your submission adheres to the theme and follows any guidelines provided.

  7. Can the submissions be fiction or non-fiction?

    We welcome both fiction and non-fiction submissions as long as they adhere to the theme "Shades of Reality" - what matters is the connection to the theme and the insight it provides into the African experience.

  8. Will my essay be published on the competition website?

    Yes, every essay submitted becomes part of our shared narrative on this website (the one that you are on right now). It's about giving each perspective and experience its place in the sun. By submitting, you're agreeing to this sharing, aiming to enrich our collective understanding.

  9. Do I keep the copyright to my work?

    Yes, without a doubt. Your story remains yours. By participating, you're simply letting us showcase your essay on this website, adding to the diverse mosaic of African experiences. You retain all rights to your work. If we wish to use your essay for any purpose beyond the competition website, we will seek your explicit approval beforehand.

  10. How long should my essay be?

    There are no strict length requirements, but a good submission is likely to be at least 1500 words. Use your judgment on this.

  11. Can I submit more than one entry?

    Absolutely. If you have multiple stories or perspectives to share, feel free to submit as many entries as you wish.

  12. In what language should the essay be submitted?

    Submissions must be in English to ensure a broad accessibility and understanding among our readership and the judging process.

  13. Can I submit my work anonymously or under a pseudonym?

    Sure thing. If you prefer to keep your identity private, we respect that. Just indicate your preference when you send us your work, and we'll honor it.

  14. How will my essay be judged?

    I'll be going through each essay myself, looking for authenticity, depth, and how well it reflects the complexities of our theme. It's about finding those narratives that truly illuminate the varied realities of African life.

  15. What if I don't want my essay published after submitting?

    It's important to understand that all essays submitted to "Shades of Reality" will be published on our website. This is a fundamental part of the competition, ensuring every voice and story is acknowledged and shared.

  16. When and how will the winners be announced?

    After reviewing all submissions, the competition website will be updated to indicate when the winners will be announced. We aim to make this process as transparent and timely as possible.