The search is what anyone would undertake if he were not sunk in the everydayness of his own life. To become aware of the possibility of the search is to be onto something. —Walker Percy

We are looking for well-crafted, dynamic writing that demonstrates attention to the language, writing that engages, surprises, and moves us. We subscribe to the belief that in order to truly write well, one must master the basics: grammar and syntax, punctuation, diction, the sentence, the paragraph. Beyond that, we are looking for writing that has something honest to say about human experience—writing that, in the spirit of Walker Percy, is onto something.

Winner receives $1,000 and publication in New Orleans Review. All finalists considered for publication.

Enter previously unpublished original stories up to 7,500 words. The author’s name should not appear on the manuscript. Entries may be simultaneous submissions but the entry fee is nonrefundable if the story is accepted elsewhere. Please notify us immediately to withdraw a story that is taken elsewhere. There is no limit on the number of entries you may submit.

Contest open to all writers in English with the exception of current students or employees or others affiliated with New Orleans Review or Loyola University New Orleans. Writers who have a strong personal or professional relationship with the editorial staff or with the final judge are asked to abstain from entering the contest in order to prevent a conflict of interest. We comply with the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP) Code of Ethics. The final judge is now Tim Parrish (http://timparrishauthor.com/index.php/about/about-the-author)

Entry fee: $15.00

Extended Deadline: December 31, 2014.

Winner announced and published in 2015.

How to enter, visit:  https://walkerpercy.submittable.com/submit