Storytellers wanted: Search begins for best short fiction tale

Bucks County Community College is searching for the best short fiction tale in the county, college officials announced, with the winning scribes getting the opportunity to read alongside a well-known author.

Dennis Tafoya, author of 'Dope Thief' and other crime novels, will be the final judge, said Elizabeth Luciano, language and literature professor and director of the contest.

Tafoya, who lives in Bucks County, is the author of three crime novels set in and around his native Philadelphia. 'Dope Thief,' originally published in 2009, was republished in 2025 in conjunction with its release as an Emmy-nominated series on Apple TV. Tafoya is also the author of 'The Wolves of Fairmount Park' and 'The Poor Boy’s Game.' His short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies such as Philadelphia Noir and 'Best American Mystery Stories.'

The contest is open to Bucks County residents over the age of 18 who have not previously placed first. Employees of Bucks County Community College are not eligible. The top three winners will receive honoraria of $200, $100, and $50. 

“The first-, second-, and third-place winners will be honored at a reading in November on the Newtown Campus, and will be joined by Mr. Tafoya,” Luciano said.

The deadline for submissions is noon on Thursday, Oct. 8. Stories must be previously unpublished, including in blogs and online platforms, and must be submitted online. Use of artificial intelligence in any form is strictly prohibited. Complete contest rules  can be found at bucks.edu/shortfictioncontest. A short fiction contest for high-school students will be held in the spring.

The Bucks County Short Fiction Contest receives funding and administrative support from the School of Language and Literature at Bucks County Community College. For further information, contact Professor Elizabeth Luciano at Elizabeth.Luciano@bucks.edu.

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