The Computer Love Contest

Details

We'll admit it: we're huge Star Trek nerds. One of our favorite characters is Data, an android who spends much of the series lamenting his lack of human emotion. After watching Data bumbling through a few episodes last month (beer and nostalgia always make for an interesting combination), we were struck with inspiration for our next writing contest.

The theme for this contest is "Computer Love" (and we don't mean the Kraftwerk song). Write an original science fiction short story, under 3000 words, that features some kind of mechanical construct—a computer, a robot, an android, a spaceship, whatever you can imagine—and the greatest of human emotions: love. As long as you've got those two things, the rest is up to you!

Entries are due by September 30, 2009, and first prize is a $100 Amazon.com gift card. Get your word processors warmed up, and good luck!

Winning entries

Winners have been announced! Log in to see them.

Prizes

Rules

• Your entry must be an original science fiction short story under 3000 words prominently featuring the theme "computer love."

• Entries must be received by September 30, 2009, and winners will be announced by October 15, 2009. Scribophile staff reserves the right to disqualify any contest entry for any reason and to change the terms of the contest for any reason.

• Entries will be judged by the Scribophile staff, taking into consideration the ratings given by Scribophile members. Decisions are final.

• Only one entry is allowed per member. Multiple entries will all be disqualified.

Submission guidelines

• To enter the contest, post your work on Scribophile and tag it with "computer love contest" (without quotes). Your work will automatically be considered.

• Email submissions will not be accepted.