Dark Tales from the Tarot

This is the last submission window for 2024.
Beginning in 2025, Dark Tales from the Tarot will occur once annually, in the Autumn.

Submissions will be open November 1-15, 2024.

Call for Submissions

For the first half of every other month, Spindle House will be open for submissions of horror flash fiction centered around themes determined by the shuffling of a tarot deck. A winning story will be selected at the end of applicable months. Read more about Dark Tales from the Tarot here.

Requirements: Using the Google Form linked below, submit one piece of original and unpublished fiction that is less than or equal to 1,000 words in length, firm. The story should align with the themes of the card summarized below. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please immediately withdraw your submission if it is accepted elsewhere. Format your submission using modern Shunn format, no mailing address required. Your submission must be a MS Word file (.doc/.docx) or a Google Doc.

One winning piece will be selected each month. The winner receives $10 via PayPal and online publication. A contract will be provided.

November 2024

Card: Ten of Wands

Card Themes: An immense burden, the danger of overwhelm. One who carries more than they can bear. The curse of responsibility or obligation. The weight of the world.

Suit Themes (Wands): passion, creativity, inspiration, fire.

Notes: Your submission should incorporate the theme of the chosen card, not the paper object that is the card itself. Remember that your flash fiction submission must be horror.