Mini Saga Creative Writing Competition is an initiative taken by the Centre for the Advancement of Language Competence (CALC) to encourage University Putra Malaysia (UPM) students to broaden and strengthen their usage of English language in informal context, especially in creative writing. 

This competition is open to all ASPER and UPM undergraduate students. Students will need to write a mini saga with the theme: An Unexpected Tale. 

The first prize winner will receive RM100, RM80 for the second prize winner, RM60 for the third prize winner and RM20 for 3 consolation prizes winners. 

Rules and Guidelines:

• This competition is open to all ASPER and undergraduate students from UPM.
• Each participant can only submit ONE mini saga.
• The mini saga must have a Title of not more than 15 words.
• The mini saga should consist of exactly 50 words; it must have a beginning, middle and ending.
• Write a 50-word story with the theme: An Unexpected Tale. It can be about anything: something happy, humorous, sad, mysterious, mesmerising, thrilling, breath-taking, scary, loving, etc., but it should be unexpected or surprising.
• Your mini saga should NOT relate to any sensitive issues such as politics, religion, sex, racial or gender issues, or you will be disqualified.
• The mini saga should be typed in a Microsoft Word document using Arial 11 font with 1.5 spacing.
• The student’s details should NOT be in the Microsoft Word document along with the mini saga and its title.
• The Microsoft Word document should be renamed with student’s full name and matric number. For example: Sarah Joyce Ahmad 052706
• The mini saga submitted must be your original work, not plagiarised from other sites or applications (using AI) locally or internationally, or you will be disqualified.
• The mini saga submitted should not be used previously in other competitions.
• The closing date of the competition is 18 June 2023.
• The winners will be announced at the virtual closing ceremony on 27th June 2023. Hence, stay tuned at this website after the closing date for more information on the details.

SUBMIT YOUR MINI SAGA HERE: https://forms.gle/SCYoDUPp1vxSpN5T6

For any enquiry, contact us at calc.minisaga@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a mini saga?

A mini saga is a short story written in precisely 50 words, with a title of up to 15 words. Similar to a long story, it should have a beginning, middle and ending. It was first invented by an English writer, Brian Aldiss in The Daily Telegraph Newspaper where several mini saga competitions were organised.

Can I submit more than one mini saga?

No. Only ONE submission per person.

How do I determine my word count?

You can highlight your mini saga on Microsoft Word and the word count will be visible on the footer.

Can my mini saga be shorter or longer than 50 words?

No. A mini saga should be EXACTLY 50 WORDS (excluding the title), with a title of NOT MORE THAN 15 WORDS.

Is there any restriction regarding the content of the mini saga?

Yes. Your mini saga should NOT relate to any sensitive issues such as politics, religion, sex, racial or gender issues, or you will be disqualified.

Should I submit along an illustration or picture to beautify my mini saga?

No. Please submit only a Microsoft Word document of your mini saga and its title.

Is there any additional rule to be kept in mind?

No plagiarism is allowed. You are also not allowed to use any software that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT etc.

Where can I submit my mini saga?

Please submit your mini saga here: https://forms.gle/SCYoDUPp1vxSpN5T6

Why do I need to submit my profile photo?

If you are listed as the finalist/winner, your mini saga and profile photo will be shown during the virtual closing ceremony.

When is the closing ceremony?

The closing ceremony will be held virtually on 27 June 2023. The winners will be announced in the virtual ceremony.

How do I know if I am listed as the finalist?

The list of finalists will be posted in this website, and you will be contacted by our team via email. Hence, please be alert with the updates on your email and this website.

What should I do if I have an enquiry?

Please email your enquiry to calc.minisaga@gmail.com

Tarikh Input: 31/05/2023 | Kemaskini: 31/05/2023 | n_farrid