Submissions are now open for Tryon Arts and Crafts School’s (TACS) second-annual ghost story competition. With fall quickly approaching, TACS encourages writers to get into the Halloween spirit and write their own ghost stories.

“Everyone’s writing is welcomed,” said Will Barclift, executive director of TACS. “The online application is open for anyone across the country that wants to get involved, but there is added emphasis on local writers.”

According to Barclift, the competition was initiated through TACS with the intention to combine celebrating the rich heritage of this region, along with storytelling through original ghost stories.

Story submissions are read by a review committee and then continued onto a panel of experienced judges, including head judge and special effects producer, Michael Zam. Judges will then pick first, second and third place stories out of all of the submissions, and an added heritage award is given to a writer from the Polk County, Henderson and Landrum area.

“The deadline is Aug. 27 and each author can submit up to three stories,” Barclift said. “Writers are encouraged to focus on originality, character development and any degree of sophistication from fright to humor that appeals to listener’s senses.”

Winners will receive a cash prize, along with the option to read their story themselves or have a professional voice actor read their story aloud to a live audience.

“The public is welcome to come hear these stories if they want a different spin on Halloween night festivities, however we don’t encourage younger kids to attend because of the potentially frightening material being read aloud,” Barclift said.

For more information or to submit a story, visit tryonartsandcrafts.org.