'The character is everything... beats, plot, and structure all serve the character's growth and change.'

With this in mind, members are invited to bring someone unforgettable to life.

The Members Spring Competition 2026 challenges you to introduce a character to the New2theScene community in 2000 words or fewer, with the winner whoever makes us need to read more.

Ideas (not limited to):

• an opening scene for a longer story
• a pivotal moment that reveals who they are
• a point of crisis, comedy, confrontation, or revelation, and how they react

Wherever you decide to place them, make them distinct, memorable; hint at a hidden motive or secret; spark curiosity and emotional connection; demonstrate creative storytelling.

This is an opportunity to stretch and explore new creative directions in a supportive place. Don't let it pass you by!

Competition Opens: 1st March 2026

Closes: 3rd May 2026

Word Limit: 2,000 words

Click here to enter.

The winning entrant receives:
• Publication in our anthology
• Publication on our website
• An ‘Origins’ blog to showcase you and your creative journey
• A free place in one of our writing workshops
• An invitation to contribute to our next Novella Project

A Notable Mention receives:
• Publication in our anthology
• A free workshop place
• Increased opportunity to join our next Novella Project

Designed to help you engage with your passion, take creative risks, partake in a different kind of challenge, and introduce a fresh character to an audience that may be developed in future works.

Who will you introduce us to?

That's what we're waiting to read.