Aug 31, 2021
I hate to be a downer, but do you think this chapter depicting a madman killing a child's parents, in graphic details, is suitable for a 13 year old to read? I ask this question because the contest rules require each story to be suitable for a 13 year old reader.
I personally don't have a problem with grimdark stories, but the judges might decide this chapter is too dark for general readership and reject your contest entry for that reason.
So the question becomes: will you stay true to your vision for this story and leave it as-is? Or will you follow the contest rules and dial back the grimdark elements? You have between now and Sept 4th to decide. 😎