The power of creative writing is to bring people together, expose the truths of all , and inspire generations. For writers who are interested in the study of morality, faith and human nature, the J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction 2025 is an incredible chance to achieve global recognition.
The award is a global literary prize that recognises an art form of telling stories which inspires the spirits, provokes, and connects with readers. With cash prizes, publishing opportunities and exposure to an international audience, this award honours stories that examine human nature with depth, compassion, and contemplation of the spiritual.
In the case of Nigerian as well as African writers, the contest is an excellent platform for sharing stories of their culture with the world and being part of the growing community of authors who are shaping the future of literature.
About the J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction
The J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction was established to honour J.F. Powers’s legacy. J.F. Powers was one of America’s most revered Catholic fictional writers. Powers was renowned for his in-depth knowledge of human nature as well as his ability to depict everyday lives with a profound moral sensitivity.
The prize recognises stories that show superior craftsmanship and emotional depth, as well as express the timeless values of humanity. It is organised through Dappled Things Literary Magazine. The competition is open to writers of every background of nationality, religion, and culture to submit their most compelling stories in short stories that demonstrate the integrity of their work and spirituality.
It seeks out stories that are practical, thought-provoking and ultimately optimistic — stories that look at how individuals are able to navigate their faith, purpose and human nature in daily life.
Program Objectives
The J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction 2025 is designed to foster an emerging generation of writers committed to telling stories that are authentic and meaningful. Its goals include encouraging writers to consider the complexities of moral and social issues, as well as recognising outstanding short stories that demonstrate the power of empathy and artistry, providing a platform for established and emerging authors, and increasing the worldwide appreciation of diverse literary genres.
Through the support of the True Storytelling Award is a testament to the power of literature in helping foster understanding, bridge the gap between cultures and promote international dialogue.
Program Overview
| Category | Details |
| Award Name | J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction 2025 |
| Organizer | Dappled Things Literary Magazine |
| Funding Type | Literary Prize and Publication Opportunity |
| Prize Amount | First Prize: $500, Runner-Up: $250 |
| Eligibility | Open globally to writers aged 18 and above |
| Genre Focus | Short fiction (maximum 8,000 words) |
| Deadline | November 30, 2025 |
| Submission Fee | Free (no entry fee) |
| Language | English |
| Publication | Selected stories featured in Dappled Things Magazine |
This format is inclusive and provides worldwide accessibility, allowing participation by writers from all over the world, both in developed and developing countries.
Why It Matters for Nigerian and African Writers
Africa is home to a number of the world’s most engaging storytellers. From Chinua Achebe’s narratives of culture and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s modern realistic writing, African literature continues to influence the global conversation. But many new writers have a difficult time gaining access to publishing platforms and earning recognition.
The J.F. Powers Prize 2025 provides Nigerian and African writers with the opportunity to gain access to international recognition. The prize allows them to tell stories that showcase African tradition, spirituality and strength in a global setting.
For writers from Nigeria and Africa The benefits for writers in Africa and Nigeria are enormous. They will be able to get international recognition for their writing as well as publish in a highly regarded literary journal, network with authors and editors around the world and build their writing portfolios. Achieving recognition or even being shortlisted improves their credibility and opens doors to residencies, scholarships, or publishing options.
The competition also encourages diversity by promoting voices from different cultures, allowing African writers the chance to share authentic narratives which challenge the stereotypes of their time and showcase our common humanity.
What the Judges Look For
Judges are looking for stories that are captivating and emotionally rich, as well as relevant. The criteria for evaluation are creativity and structure, as well as originality and the morality of every story.
Important elements that are deemed important by judges include captivating characters, well-structured narratives, emotional impact and a thoughtful examination of the human condition. The best books often combine the literary qualities with the accessibility, providing an in-depth look at universal issues like loss, love and faith.
Although themes of a spiritual or religious nature are welcomed, they aren’t an essential element. The prize simply recognises stories that are popular with readers and conveys the truth in all of its manifestations.
Eligibility Criteria
It is open for all writers 18 or over from any place around the globe. Unpublished and published authors are qualified.
The entries must satisfy the following requirements:
- Stories that are original and never published in English.
- Maximum of 8000 words.
- Limit one entry per participant.
- There are no previously published or self-published work previously published or self-published.
- Submissions with co-authorship are not accepted.
- The writer retains copyright while giving permission to publish if they are selected.
The contest is open to everyone and removes financial barriers and provides equal access to writers from regions in the developing world like Nigeria as well as other African countries.
Submission Guidelines – How to Apply
To be considered for the contest, applicants should prepare their stories in a standard manuscript format. The manuscripts must be written with twelve-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced and submitted as either a pdf or Word file.
The submissions should not contain the name of the author in the text to ensure the anonymity of judges during an evaluation. The applicants should submit their tales through the official portal by the November 30th, 2025, deadline. Include an introduction and contact information on your application.
Stories that are submitted late or exceed the word limit are not considered. The winners will be announced in the beginning of 2026. Selected stories can be found in Dappled Things Literary Magazine.
For more information, visit Dappled Things.
Evaluation and Selection Process
All submissions are reviewed by a panel of professional editors and established writers. The process is transparent, focusing on literary merit, thematic relevance, and originality.
Each story is evaluated for its artistic quality, narrative coherence, and the emotional or philosophical questions it raises. Stories that blend creativity with clarity tend to stand out in the competition.
Shortlisted authors are notified by email, and the top entries receive publication and cash awards.
Benefits of Participation
Being recognised or winning the J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction gives you long-lasting professional and personal advantages.
- The cash prizes are 500 dollars for the first-place winner and 250 dollars for the second-place winner.
- Publishing in a well-known literary magazine that has a worldwide readership.
- Improved visibility for professionals and increased credibility.
- Networking with editors and authors who have won awards.
- Portfolio development for future writing or publishing opportunities.
In the case of Nigerian or African writers, the participation may be a way to establish mentorship connections and cooperation with institutions of literature and a future grant eligibility for creative projects.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Timeline |
| Submissions Open | Ongoing |
| Submission Deadline | November 30, 2025 |
| Shortlist Announcement | Early 2026 |
| Winners Announced | Spring 2026 |
Participants are advised to submit early to avoid technical delays and ensure adequate time for editing and review.
Conclusion
The J.F. Powers Prize for Short Fiction 2025 is not just an event; it’s an international platform for writers to tell their stories, reflect on the human condition and instil the spirit of. For Nigerian and African writers, it’s an opportunity to showcase the literary talents of their authors, to promote African writing, and to gain recognition from the world’s literary elite.
The program offers free entry, generous prizes, and worldwide exposure. This program is one of the largest opportunities for young voices to shine in the world of literature. Every story you tell can alter how people perceive the world, its theology, and religion – your story may be the next one to make a difference.