From one competition to the next…The CBC Short Story Competition has just closed and already we’ve got another challenge for you (if you’re up for it, that is). This month, Canada Writes has partnered up with the Canada Council for the Arts and The Massey Lectures for our Close Encounters with Science series.

Their series is inspired by the 2012 Massey Lectures.

This year’s lecturer is physicist Neil Turok. They’re fascinated by his insights on how science and technology affect everything around us, from the environment to our innermost thoughts. Do you remember the first time you saw images flicker on the television? What happened that night that modern science brought someone you love back to life? How about when you first lit a match as a child? Or what about the invention of something as anachronistic as the beeper – how did that affect you?

They’re looking for all kinds of stories – humorous, poignant, surprising. Share your personal tale with them.

The details: The Close Encounters with Science writing competition opens on Friday, November 2 at 12 pm ET. Deadline is Tuesday, November 20 at 12 pm ET. All submissions must be between 400 and 500 words, and sent electronically through the Canada Writes website. There is no fee to participate. And only one entry per person is permitted.

The prize: The winner of their Close Encounters with Science Writing Challenge will receive a $1,000 cash prize from the Canada Council for the Arts. The winning story will also be prominently featured on the Canada Writes site.

Rules/Regulation/Submit to Challenge: http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadawrites/challenges/close-encounters-challenge.html

Questions? Get in touch with us at canadawrites@cbc.ca.