Gross-Out Contest Rules (Scares That Care Authorcon 2025)

Hey, everybody!

My writing partner and collaborator Wile E. Young and I are delighted to remind you that we will be hosting the Gross-Out Contest this year at Scares That Care Authorcon 2025.  

Please Note:  You must pre-register if you wish to participate in the Gross-Out Contest this year.  You can do so by emailing frenchpresspub (at) hotmail (dot) com after 12:01 am EST on Saturday, March 15.  

That is the big rule change this year.  Make sure you pre-register so we can keep the lineup fast, funny, and fair.  Pre-registered intended contestants should show up at 9:50 pm EST on Saturday, March 29 so that we can confirm you are present and ready to present.

What about the other rules?  Well, I'm glad you asked.

1.  Contestants should prepare a five minute story.  Every contestant will have three minutes to present, after which the audience will decide whether they can continue for another two minutes.  After five minutes total, you will be stopped.

2.  There will be no recording of any kind.  This is an event for fans of extreme horror and splatterpunk and we want contestants to feel free to leave it all out there on the stage.  If you don't want to be exposed to that, please don't attend.

3.  Contestants will be judged on three criteria – grossness, crowd engagement, and performance.

4.  Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place, as well as a special "Judge’s Choice” award.

5.  YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE!  Tell your friends, spread the word, but get us an email after midnight this Friday into Saturday evening.

So, now that you know the judging criteria and the basic rules, who will be the judges?  Well, we are pleased to announce the following judges:

L.P. Hernandez

Kenzie Jennings

Bitter Karella

Eric LaRocca

Judith Sonnet

Can't wait to see you there, everybody!