Vanco Horror Bang written in a gothic font on a dark red background. Beneath the text is a faint white elaborate chandelier. A dagger and an axe book end the text on either side with a drip of blood beneath. A black filigree decorates the four corners.

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

  1. Given that horror is a genre that innately explores mature and taboo topics, this event is 18+ only.

  2. 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.

  3. Your work must be posted on your scheduled posting date.

  4. 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.

  5. All works must be tagged appropriately.

  6. 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.

  7. You will have 48 hours within a check-in date to complete your check-in before you are contacted directly by the moderation team.

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  1. You may begin writing at any time. The sooner the better.

  2. Works must be between 5,000-10,000 words in length

  3. Your work can exceed 10,000 words, but the work must be completed, in full, by your posting date.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  6. 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

  1. Artists must complete one fully polished illustration for the work they have been partnered with.

  2. 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.

  3. Subsequent pieces do not need to be fully illustrated (i.e. can be sketches or concept style pieces)

  4. Artists are free to work in whatever medium they prefer (digital or traditional) to create their pieces.


Event Timeline

June 1, 2026Writer Sign-ups OpenWriters should begin writing as soon as possible after signing up
June 30, 2026Writer Sign-ups Close 
July 1, 2026Artist Sign-ups Open 
July 31, 2026Artist Sign-ups Close 
August 1, 2026Summaries Due 
August 8, 2026Artist Summary Selection 
August 15, 2026Pairing Announcements 
August 22, 2026Check In #1Writers should have started their pieces and partners should have made initial contact to discuss their collaboration
September 15, 2026Pinch Hitter Sign Ups 
September 19, 2026Check In #2 
October 17, 2026Check In #3First Extension Application
November 14, 2026Check In #4Second Extension Application
November 28-30, 2026Posting Date Sign Up 
December 2026Posting Period 
December 5, 2026Final Extension Application 
January 16, 2027Hard End Date for Posting Works