Join SASA’s Ancient Fanfiction Writing Contest!

This summer, the Inspire Team at SASA are continuing their mission to inspire students and young adults to foster an interest in the Ancient World. Through engaging educational social media content, we’ve been connecting learners who are eager to explore ancient history, archaeology, mythology, and more. In an effort to drum up more direct engagement with our audience, we are proud to announce something very exciting!

🎉 Announcing the Ancient Fanfiction Writing Contest! 🎉

We're calling on writers, students, and fans of history to submit well-researched, imaginative historical fiction that brings the ancient world to life. This is your chance to tell your own story: whether it’s a reimagined myth, a hidden moment in history, or the personal journey of someone long forgotten.

Winning entries will be published across SASA Inspire’s social media platforms, so your story can reach fellow enthusiasts around the world! Check out the contest announcement here and get inspired by our latest.

What is Fanfiction?

Fanfiction is fiction created by fans that reimagines or expands on existing stories, characters, or settings. In our case, ancient fanfiction takes the characters, events, and myths of the past and breathes new life into them using research, imagination, and a love of storytelling.

You might have already read some ancient fanfiction! 

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

1. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller 

   Inspired by The Iliad and other ancient Greek texts, retelling the events of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus 

2. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant 

   Inspired by the biblical story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, in the book of Genesis

3. Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman

   Loose interpretation of the Greek myth of Pandora’s Box, telling the story of aspiring jewellery artist Dora Blake and her encounter with an ancient vase 

4. The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

   Inspired by The Odyssey told from the perspective of Penelope, Odyssey’s wife

5. Nefertiti by Michell Moran

   Inspired by historical figure of Queen Nefertiti and her life in ancient Egypt

Whether you're drawn to myth, everyday life, political intrigue, or ancient battles, there’s a story waiting for you to tell. For tips on writing historical fiction check out ‘Writing historical fictions: tips for voice, character and story’ by the National Centre for Writing: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/writing-hub/four-tips-for-writing-historical-fiction/

Inspire Campaign on Instagram, posted June 2025

Key Dates & Contest Details

Submissions Open: June 16th, 2025

Submission Deadline: July 14th, 2025

Rules:

• Between 2000-6000 words, single spaced

• Must be set in a real place and in the ancient period (between 3000 BCE and 500 CE)

• Must be historical fiction (the more rooted in real history the better)

• Submit your stories to this email: SASAInspires.submissions@saveancientstudies.org