Literature and Writing This is a contest to take an excerpt from a work in the public domain. Choose a supporting or flat character from a public domain story. Create a short story based on that character as a protagonist. This story should be true to the time and setting of the original work but have its own voice, much like a singer who performs another artist's song would give it their own style. Submit an author cover sheet, a brief summary paragraph, a brief synopsis of the entire work, and your story. ​Submit the official entry form.