ENTER OUR “SMOGONAUT” WRITING CONTEST!
Calling all writers, wordsmiths, and world-builders of Long Beach and beyond. We have a fun new month-long contest taking place at Smog City Heights right now through September 20th, and we want to capture your creativity for the community to admire. (Plus win some prizes and Smog City swag as well.)
The prompt
You’ve seen our “Smogonaut” floating around Smog City Heights, but the character’s origin story remains unknown. Where did they come from? What are they doing out there alone in the cosmos? What is their mission?
THE ASSIGNMENT
Take a photo alongside the Smogonaut mural inside our Smog City Heights taproom. Along with your photo, submit your most creative story involving the Smogonaut. It can be a biographical origin story, a sci-fi or fantasy adventure, true crime thriller…really whatever and wherever your imagination takes you!
THE JUDGING CRITERIA
A panel of three judges will read all entries sent within the submission period (8/15–9/20) and will determine a winner based on the following criteria:
Engagement: Is the story entertaining and compelling?
Structure: Does the story flow well and make sense?
Subject Matter: Is the focus genuinely on the Smogonaut? (i.e. Who they are, what they are, where they are)
the PRIZES
There will be one winner each in two categories, adult (18+) and children (under 18). Each winner will receive a custom trophy, a Smog City stein mug, stickers, a new Smog City Heights t-shirt, and a bound writing journal to capture all of your wild ideas while you’re out there in the world.
The selected winners will also have a QR code placed next to the Smogonaut in the taproom for patrons to scan and read while enjoying their time at Smog City Heights.
THE RULES
One entry per person. Max 2000 words. Must submit your Smogonaut photo along with your written entry. No inappropriate material. No AI.
Use the form field below to enter your information, attach your photo, and submit your writing sample. You can also email your entry to us at hello@smogcitybrewing.com. If you are more of the analog type you can also hand a written/printed copy to one of our staff at Smog City Heights, just be sure to either include a printed photo of you with the Smogonaut or have one of our staff take a photo with you while you are there.