
Horror is a genre that spans numerous styles and themes. From the classic gothic horror, to psychological horror, supernatural horror, body horror, cosmic horror, or just the classic slasher. Horror is a genre that relies heavily on atmosphere and building anticipation.Whether you are interested in digging deep to explore societal fears, social dynamics, or just write a fun little slasher, we look forward to seeing what you come up with!The Vanco Horror Bang is a fandom event where authors are expect to create a work of a specific length and are paired with an artist to create an accompany piece for the work.Please review the rules, and information linked below.
General Event Rules
Given that horror is a genre that innately explores mature and taboo topics, this event is 18+ only.
Works must primarily focus on the relationship between Vander and Silco. Other relationships are welcome, but should not be the driving focus of your story.
Your work must be posted on your scheduled posting date.
If you need to drop out of the event for any reason, please provide notice to the moderation team as soon as possible so that we can reassign you or find someone to pinch hit in your absence.
All works must be tagged appropriately.
Check ins will occur every 4 weeks to determine your progress and to ensure that there are no failures in communication between you and your partner.
You will have 48 hours within a check-in date to complete your check-in before you are contacted directly by the moderation team.
Failure to communicate with your partner and the moderation team will result in the assumption that you are no longer able to participate, and we will begin the process of reassignment.
You will be provided with three extension opportunities throughout the event if you need them. Extensions will not extend more than two weeks past the end of the posting period.
Rules for Writers
You may begin writing at any time. The sooner the better.
Works must be between 5,000-10,000 words in length
Your work can exceed 10,000 words, but the work must be completed, in full, by your posting date.
At the prompt claim period, please provide a written summary of your story that is roughly 200 words long. This should be a proper summary and not just a sample of the text from your work.
Your summary should include any major warnings, specifically but not limited to: rape/non-con; graphic depictions of violence; major character death; self harm; drug use
It is recommended that your work be reviewed by a beta reader before posting. Many writers have beta readers they like to use regularly, so you are not limited to using someone participating in the event for that purpose, however there will be beta readers available if you do not have a regular beta reader available.
RULES FOR ARTISTS
Artists must complete one fully polished illustration for the work they have been partnered with.
If you feel you can complete multiple pieces for the work you have been assigned to, we ask that the total does not exceed three pieces total.
Subsequent pieces do not need to be fully illustrated (i.e. can be sketches or concept style pieces)
Artists are free to work in whatever medium they prefer (digital or traditional) to create their pieces.
Event Timeline
| June 1, 2026 | Writer Sign-ups Open | Writers should begin writing as soon as possible after signing up |
| June 30, 2026 | Writer Sign-ups Close | |
| July 1, 2026 | Artist Sign-ups Open | |
| July 31, 2026 | Artist Sign-ups Close | |
| August 1, 2026 | Summaries Due | |
| August 8, 2026 | Artist Summary Selection | |
| August 15, 2026 | Pairing Announcements | |
| August 22, 2026 | Check In #1 | Writers should have started their pieces and partners should have made initial contact to discuss their collaboration |
| September 15, 2026 | Pinch Hitter Sign Ups | |
| September 19, 2026 | Check In #2 | |
| October 17, 2026 | Check In #3 | First Extension Application |
| November 14, 2026 | Check In #4 | Second Extension Application |
| November 28-30, 2026 | Posting Date Sign Up | |
| December 2026 | Posting Period | |
| December 5, 2026 | Final Extension Application | |
| January 16, 2027 | Hard End Date for Posting Works |