HLF Creative Writing Programme
Supporting South African writers as they develop their voices, strengthen their craft and connect with peers and professionals in the publishing industry.
Develop your voice and strengthen your craft
In keeping with our objectives, the Happiness Literary Foundation invites applications for the HLF Creative Writing Programme, an opportunity for South African writers to develop their voices and strengthen their skills in a supportive, professional environment.
The goal of the programme is to provide writers with the resources and support they need to develop their works-in-progress, while fostering meaningful connections with peers and professionals in the publishing industry.
Speculative fiction short stories
The Happiness Literary Foundation (HLF) and Happiness Books invite South African youth writers to apply for the HLF Spring Creative Writing Programme focusing on the short story form in the speculative fiction genre.
What do we mean by speculative fiction?
Any story that asks, “what if?” If it bends reality, we want to read it. Subgenres include, but are not limited to, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopian & Utopian fiction, Horror, Supernatural, Magical Realism, Alternative History and Superhero Fiction.
We are looking for stories that feel both strange and familiar: stories rooted in our country's people, histories, landscapes and languages, while imagining possible futures.
The stories can be intimate or epic, mythological or technological, rural or urban, comic or devastating.
Selected writers will participate in a 12-week mentorship programme offering practical training in creative writing craft and technique, and one-on-one mentorship from established writers to develop and strengthen their stories. Select stories will be published in an anthology by Happiness Books in early 2027.
Who should apply?
South African citizens and residents aged 18 to 35 are invited to submit their short fiction.
Story requirements
Submit one speculative fiction short story of between 3,000 and 5,000 words.
Submission guidelines
- Short author bio — maximum 250 words
- Synopsis — up to one page
- Short story between 3,000 and 5,000 words
- Attach the story file in .docx or .doc format
- Include your full name and contact details
- Only one story per writer
- If the story has recently been submitted for consideration to another anthology, please state this in the submission email
Key dates
Please note: Writers must be available to attend online sessions for the full duration of the 12-week programme.
Programme enquiries
Send submissions and general enquiries to the Happiness Literary Foundation.
foundation@happinessbooks.co.za