Write a Story, Win $20! + Big Sci-Fi Film Updates & Summer Reads!
Do you know a young writer with a story waiting to be told?
I’m pleased to help sponsor the The Paths We Walk – Junior Micro-Story Contest, presented by Clean Fiction Magazine and open to writers ages 13–17.
Submissions are open now through July 31 — just over two weeks left!
Every entry must begin with six simple words:
“Along the path, I saw…”
What appears along that path is entirely up to the writer. It could lead to another world, an unexpected friendship, a forgotten mystery, a moment in history—or somewhere none of us has imagined before.
All genres are welcome, provided the story remains clean.
Paths Contest Details
Who can enter: Writers ages 13–17
Submission period: July 1–31, 2026
Story length: 500–1,000 words
Winner announcement: August 6, 2026
Submit through the “Submit to the Paths Contest” form:
https://sunsetvalleycreations.com/contest
Winners will receive a $20 Amazon gift card, certificates, digital and 3D-printed medallions, and the opportunity to be featured in the September 20 Autumn Edition of Clean Fiction Magazine.
Please note that physical medallions can only be shipped within the continental United States. Publication and author features require the appropriate permission and guardian approval.
🏆 Charlie’s Big Chance is an Award Semifinalist!
I’m thrilled to share that my screenplay for Charlie’s Big Chance, the upcoming children’s animated series in the Earth’s Secret Alliance universe, has advanced to the semifinals in the Faith & Family Filmmakers Awards.
This one means a lot. Charlie’s story is about courage, empathy, responsibility, and choosing to help even when the world underestimates you.
You can watch the Charlie sample clip here:
👉 https://www.rediscoverbacklot.com/charlie-s-big-chance
Want to help these projects move forward?
On each Backlot video page, you can scroll down and click “Support This Project” and/or “Follow.” Those small actions help show interest in the projects.
You may be able to read my books free through your library.
Search for Tony B. Richard through Hoopla, Libby/OverDrive, cloudLibrary, or BorrowBox. If you prefer paperback, you can also ask your local public or school librarian to order my books through IngramSpark.
Finally, to celebrate Roswell Day and the award news, I’m also participating in The Fiction Giveaway Extravaganza.
🚀 Free Sci-Fi All July
The Fiction Giveaway Extravaganza is still on! Grab your free copy of Roswell: First Contact — where the Earth’s Secret Alliance story begins — along with dozens of other free reads.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Every view, follow, comment, share, and download helps bring this hope-forward sci-fi universe one step closer to the screen.
Best regards,
Tony B. Richard
Author & Screenwriter