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25 Best Writing Competitions for High School Students – 2024

April 12, 2024

Over the past several years, the number of college applicants has been steadily rising. [i] As college admissions become more competitive, there are many steps a student can take to achieve high school success and become an outstanding candidate for college admissions: earning high SAT scores, securing strong letters of recommendation , and participating in various competitions will all boost your admissions prospects. [ii] In particular, writing competitions for high school students are a popular way to win scholarships and prize money, receive feedback on writing, build a portfolio of public work, and add to college application credentials!

Below, we’ve selected twenty-five writing competitions for high school students and sorted them by three general topics: 1) language, literature and arts, 2) STEM, environment and sustainability, and 3) politics, history and philosophy. It’s never too soon to begin thinking about your future college prospects, and even if you are a freshman, many of these writing competitions for high schoolers will be open to you! [iii]

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Language, Literature, and Arts

1) adroit prizes for poetry and prose.

This prestigious creative writing award offers high school students the opportunity to showcase their work in Adroit Journal . Judges are acclaimed writers in their respective genres.

Eligibility: All high school students (including international students) are eligible to apply. Poetry contestants may submit up to five poems. Prose contestants may submit up to three pieces of fiction or nonfiction writing (for a combined total of 3,500 words – excerpts accepted).
Prize: Winners will receive $200 and their writing will be published in Adroit Journal . All submitted entries will be considered for publication!
Deadline: May 1st (specific deadline may vary by year).

2) Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

This unique essay competition allows writers the chance to explore and respond to Ayn Rand’s fascinating and polemic 1957 novel Atlas Shrugged . Specific essay topics are posted every three months; prizes are granted seasonally with a grand prize winner announced every year.

Prize: Annual grand prize is $25,000.
Deadline: Deadlines occur every season, for each seasonal prompt.
Eligibility: Essays must be written in English and be 800-1,600 words in length.

Writing Competitions for High School Students (Continued)

3) the bennington young writers awards.

Through Bennington College, this high school writing competition offers three prizes in three different genre categories: poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Winners and finalists who decide to attend Bennington College will ultimately receive a substantial scholarship prize.

Eligibility: U.S. and international students in grades 9 through 12 may apply.
Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place wins $500; third place winners receive $250. YWA winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington receive a $15,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $60,000). YWA finalists who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington will receive a $10,000 scholarship per year (for a total of $40,000).
Deadline: The competition runs annually from September 1st to November 1st.

4) Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Student Essay Contest

Do you love Jane Austen? If so, this is the high school writing competition for you! With the JASNA Student Essay Contest, high school students have the opportunity to write a six to eight-page essay about Jane Austen’s works, focused on a specific, designated topic for the competition year.

Eligibility: Any high school student (homeschooled students also eligible) enrolled during the contest year may submit an essay.
Prize: First place winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and two nights’ lodging for the upcoming annual JASNA meeting. Second place wins a $500 scholarship and third place wins a $250 scholarship. All winners will additionally receive a year membership in JASNA, the online publication of their article, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.
Deadline: Submission accepted from February-June 1st (specific dates may vary by year).

5) The Kennedy Center VSA Playwright Discovery Program

Young aspiring writers with disabilities are encouraged to apply to this unique program. Students are asked to submit a ten-minute play script that explores any topic, including the student’s own disability experience.

Eligibility: U.S. and international high school students with disabilities ages 14-19 may apply.
Prize: Multiple winners will receive exclusive access to professional development and networking opportunities at The Kennedy Center.
Deadline: January (specific deadline date may vary by year).

6) Leonard M. Milburg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Through Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, this prestigious writing competition for high school students recognizes outstanding poetry writing and is judged by creative writing faculty at Princeton University.

Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Applicants may submit up to three poems.
Prize: First place wins $1,500; second place wins $750; third place wins $500.
Deadline: November (specific deadline date may vary by year).

7) Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Nancy Thorp was a student at Hollins University who showed great promise as a poet. After her death, her family established this scholarship to support budding young poets.

Eligibility: Female high school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Prize: First place wins $350 and publication in Cargoes literary magazine, along with a $5,000 renewable scholarship (up to $20,000 over four years) if the student enrolls in Hollins University, and free tuition and housing for Hollins University’s summer creative writing program (grades 9-12). Second place wins publication in Cargoes, along with a $1,000 renewable scholarship ($4,000 over four years) if the student enrolls at Hollins and $500 to apply toward Hollins’ summer creative writing program.
Deadline: October (specific deadline date may vary by year).

8) National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing

Students may be nominated by their English teachers to win this prestigious writing award. Winners “exhibit the power to inform and move an audience through language” and prompts and genres may vary by competition year.

Prize: A certificate will be awarded to students who are judged to have exceptional writing skills. Student names will be displayed on the NCTE website.
Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores and juniors are eligible for nomination.
Deadline: February (specific dates may vary by year). Contest prompts released in August.

9) National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

At Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, numerous opportunities for scholarships and awards await those who submit writing in various genres: literary criticism, drama, poetry, and fiction. In all, there are 28 generic categories of art and writing to choose from!

Eligibility: Teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) may apply.
Prize: Various types of recognition and scholarships (up to $12,500) are offered for these award winners.
Deadline: Scholastic Awards opens for entries in September; deadlines range from December to January.

10) National Society of High School Scholars Creative Writing Scholarship

In this creative writing competition for high schoolers, students have the opportunity to submit a piece poetry or fiction (or both – one in each category!) for the opportunity to be published on the NSHSS website and win a monetary prize.

Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 may apply.
Prize: There will be three $2,000 awards for the fiction category and three $2,000 awards for the poetry category.
Deadline: Submissions Accepted from May to October (specific dates may vary by year).

11) National Writing Award: The Humanities and a Freer Tomorrow

This writing competition allows high school students the chance to be nominated by a teacher for a piece of writing in response to Ruth J. Simmons’ “Facing History to Find a Better Future.” Specific prompt topics may vary by year.

Eligibility: Nominating teachers can submit work from 11th and 12th graders in one category (fiction, poetry, prose, or essay).
Prize: One top prize of $1,000. Four additional prizes of $500 each. Winners will have the opportunity to have their work published by NCTE.
Deadline: Applications are open September to October (specific dates may vary by year).

12) New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award

Although this prestigious award isn’t exclusively for high schoolers (anyone younger than 35 may submit a work of fiction), if you’ve written a collection of short stories or even a novel, you should certainly consider applying!

Eligibility: Any writer below the age of 35 may submit a novel or collection of short stories to participate in this competition.
Prize: $10,000 award.
Deadline: September (specific date may vary by year).

13) Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest

This writing competition for high school students awards three annual top prizes for the best ten-minute play. Play submissions are judged each year by an acclaimed guest playwright.

Eligibility: U.S. or international students in the eleventh grade may apply. Students may submit one play entry; entries must be ten pages or less. Plays must be written in English.
Prize: First place prize is $500; second place is $250; third place is $100.
Deadline: Varies by year. However, students are recommended to submit before the deadline date – the submission portal will close when a maximum of 250 applicants have applied.

14) YouthPLAYS New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights

In this exciting writing competition, students have the chance to submit an original play script for a play of around 10-40 minutes in length. An excellent competition choice for any student considering a future in the theatre!

Eligibility: Prospective authors ages 19 and under may submit a script for consideration in the competition. See specific writing guidelines here .
Prize: First prize wins $250 and publication with YouthPLAYS; second prize wins $100.
Deadline: Submissions run from January 1st to May 1st.

STEM, Environment, and Sustainability High School Writing Competitions

15) engineergirl essay contest.

This wonderful essay contest invites students to explore topics related to engineering and science. Each year a new, specific prompt will be chosen for young writers who wish to compete.

Eligibility: High school students are eligible to apply. Previous winners and close family members of employees of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine are not eligible.
Prize: First place winners receive $1,000; second place receives $750; third place receives $500.
Deadline: Competition opens in September and submissions are due February 1st of the following year. Winners are announced in the summer.

16) Ocean Awareness Contest

The Ocean Awareness Contest is an opportunity for students to create written and artistic projects that explore sustainability, environmentalism, and positive change. High school freshmen (up to age 14) may apply to the Junior Division. Students ages 15-18 may enter the Senior Division.

Eligibility: Students ages 11-18 may apply (international students included).
Prize: Monetary prizes ranging from $100-$1000 will be awarded each year. Additionally, $500 will be awarded to ten students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or Latino via the We All Rise Prize program.
Deadline: June 10, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

17) Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder / Sense of Wild Contest

If you are interested in issues of sustainability, environment, biology and the natural world, this is one of the high school writing competitions that is just for you! Essay prompts explore the natural world and our place within it and may include poetry, essays, and photography.

Eligibility: Students must pair with an adult from a different generation (e.g. parent, grandparent or teacher – contestants need not be related). Entries must be submitted as a team.
Prize: Winners will receive a certificate from RCLA; their first names, ages, and entry titles will be posted on the RCLA website.
Deadline: November 16th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

18) River of Words Competition

This writing competition for high school students is another top choice for those thinking of pursuing majors or careers in biology, environment, and sustainability; this specific contest hopes to promote positive education in sustainability by “promoting environmental literacy through the arts and cultural exchange.”

Eligibility: Any U.S. or international student from kindergarten through 12th grade may apply.
Prize: Winners will be published in the River of Words
Deadline: January (specific deadline may vary by year).

Writing Competitions for High School Students in Politics, History and Philosophy

19) american foreign service association essay contest.

With this writing competition for high school students, entrants may submit essays ranging from 1,000-1,500 words about diplomacy, history, and international politics (specific prompts vary by year).

Eligibility: Students in grades nine through twelve may apply. Students whose parents are in the Foreign Service Association are not eligible.
Prize: The first-place winner will receive $2,500, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and the winner’s parents, and an all-expense paid voyage via Semester at Sea. The second-place winner receives $1,250 and full tuition for a summer session at the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.
Deadline: Early spring (specific deadline may vary by year).

20) Bill of Rights Institute We the Students Essay Contest

In this writing competition for high school students, civic-minded U.S. high schoolers may explore the principles and virtues of the Bill of Rights Institute. Interested applicants should review the specific submission guidelines .

Eligibility: Any high school student aged 13 to 19 may apply.
Prize: Prizes range from $1,500 to $10,000.
Deadline: Submissions for 2024 due May 19th (specific deadline may vary by year).

21) JFK Presidential Library and Museum Profile in Courage Essay Contest

For students interested in history and political science, this competition offers the chance to write about U.S. elected officials who have demonstrated political courage.

Eligibility: U.S. high school students from grades 9-12 may apply.
Prize: First prize is $10,000; second prize receives $3,000; five finalists receive $1,000 each; ten semifinalists receive $100 each; eight students receive honorable mention.
Deadline: Submissions accepted from September to January (specific deadline may vary by year).
Sample Essays: 2000-2023 Contest Winner Essays

22) John Locke Institute Essay Competition

This essay competition is for students who would like to write about and cultivate “independent thought, depth of knowledge, clear reasoning, critical analysis and persuasive style” from one of seven intellectual categories: philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology or law.

Eligibility: Students from any country may submit an essay.
Prize: $2,000 for each subject category winner toward a John Locke Institute program; winning essays will be published on the Institute’s website.
Deadline: Registration must be completed by May 31st, 2024; essay submission due June 30th, 2024 (specific deadline may vary by year).

23) Society of Professional Journalists and the Journalism Education Association Essay Contest

This exciting writing competition for high schoolers allows students to explore topics related to journalism, democracy and media literacy. Specific prompts will be provided for contestants each year.

Eligibility: All U.S. students from grades 9-12 may submit original writing to participate in this contest.
Prize: First-place winners will receive $1,000; second place is awarded $500; third place receives $300.
Deadline: February (specific deadline may vary by year).

24) Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Youth Scholarship Essay

This audio essay allows high school students the opportunity to “express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriot-themed recorded essay.” One winner will be granted a $35,000 scholarship to be paid toward their university, college, or vocational school of choice. Smaller prizes range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner in each VFW state wins $1,000.

Prize: College scholarships range from $1,000-$35,000
Eligibility: U.S. students in grades 9-12 may submit a 3-5-minute audio essay.
Deadline: October 31st
Sample Written Essay: 2023-2024 Prize-winning essay by Sophia Lin

25) World Historian Student Essay Competition

The World Historian Student Essay Competition recognizes young scholars who explore world historical events and how they relate to the student scholar personally. Ultimately the student writer must describe “the experience of being changed by a better understanding of world history.”

Eligibility: Internationally, students ages K-12 may submit an entry. See specific prompt and submission guidelines for writing instructions.
Prize: $500

Writing Competitions for High School Students – Sources

[i] Institute for Education Sciences: National Center for Education Statistics. “Number of applications for admission from first-time, degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students were received by postsecondary institutions in the fall.” https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/TrendGenerator/app/answer/10/101

[ii] Jaschik, Scott. “Record Applications, Record Rejections.” Inside Higher Ed . 3 April 2022. https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2022/04/04/most-competitive-colleges-get-more-competitive

[iii] Wood, Sarah. “College Applications are on the Rise: What to Know.” U.S. News & World Report. 21 June 2022. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/college-applications-are-on-the-rise-what-to-know

Extracurricular Activities

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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15 Creative Writing Competitions for High School Students

By Eric Eng

Creative writing competitions for high school students offer a unique platform to hone their writing skills, express their creativity, and gain recognition. These contests serve as a valuable opportunity for young writers to challenge themselves, explore different genres, and potentially earn awards or scholarships.

1. Ocean Awareness Student Contest

Location : Online
Cost : Free
Contest Date : November 2024
Application Deadline : June 10, 2024
Eligibility : Students aged 11-18 from all over the world can join the contest in the Junior Division (11-14) or Senior Division (15-18) based on their age at entry.

The 2024 Ocean Awareness Contest, aptly themed “Tell Your Climate Story,” invites young individuals aged 11-18 from across the globe to articulate their personal encounters with climate change. This 13th edition of the contest serves as an educational and expressive platform, encouraging participants to delve into the impacts of the climate crisis on both a personal and communal level. Participants are encouraged to convey their insights, experiences, and perceptions of the evolving climate reality through creative mediums such as art, writing, performance, film, or multimedia. Submissions can range from fiction, like short stories, to creative nonfiction, including personal narratives and journalistic pieces.

The contest not only fosters an understanding of environmental issues but also enhances skills in communication, critical thinking, and creativity. It’s a chance for young creators to grow their portfolios, gain recognition through global exhibitions and publications, and earn cash awards up to $1,000. Participants also become part of Bow Seat’s extensive global community, contributing to significant environmental conservation and advocacy efforts. The contest aligns with the interests of prospective college students, offering an opportunity to showcase commitment to environmental issues and creative expression in their college applications.

2. River of Words Poetry and Art Contest

Location : Saint Mary’s College of California
Contest Date : Early April 2024
Application Deadline : February 29, 2024
Eligibility : Open to students aged 5 to 19 enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade

One of the widely-known creative writing competitions for high school students is the River of Words Poetry and Art Contest. It is an esteemed international youth competition, motivating students to articulate their environmental observations through art and poetry. Organized by River of Words® (ROW), a part of The Center for Environmental Literacy at the Kalmanovitz School of Education, the contest encourages participants to delve into themes that resonate with them, be it a specific aspect of nature, an ecosystem, or reflections of their cultural experiences. Each participant can submit up to 10 entries, with a maximum of five each for poetry and art. These entries are categorized and judged across four age-based groups, ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Approximately 100 finalists in both art and poetry categories are chosen for publication, alongside the Grand Prize winners. Participating in the River of Words Contest not only nurtures creative expression and environmental consciousness but also offers significant benefits for college applications. It aids students in building a robust portfolio and developing skills like critical thinking and global awareness, which are invaluable in college and future career paths.

3. Thespy Playwriting

Cost : Varies (per chapter)
Contest Date : June 23-28, 2024 (International Thespian Festival)
Application Deadline : May 8, 2024 (for Final Round qualification)
Eligibility : Participants must be active Thespians (grades 9-12) and Junior Thespians (grades 6-8) in chartered Thespian troupes.

The Thespy Playwriting (formerly Thespian Playworks ), a highlight of the Educational Theatre Association’s International Thespian Excellence Awards, offers an exceptional platform for young playwrights. As part of a broader program that acknowledges outstanding achievements in school theatre, both in performance and technical aspects, this competition specifically focuses on the art of playwriting. It invites high school Thespians to submit original short plays, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling and deep personal connection to the themes and characters.

Participants who achieve an overall Superior rating gain special recognition, with the top scorers in each category being announced live during a showcase event. What sets this program apart is its emphasis on educational development and the substantial rewards it offers. High achievers can earn a share of over $40,000 annually, a significant incentive that underscores the value placed on artistic excellence. For students aspiring to pursue theatre or writing in college, participation in the Thespy Playwriting competition can be a formidable addition to their college applications. It demonstrates their dedication to their craft, their ability to engage in complex creative processes, and their capacity for original thought – all qualities that are highly regarded in higher education and beyond.

4. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Location : Hollins University
Contest Date : March 2024
Application Deadline : October 31, 2023 (Passed)
Eligibility : Young women who are US citizens and are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school.

The 60th Annual Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest, sponsored by Hollins University, offers a unique opportunity for young women in their sophomore or junior year of high school to gain recognition and scholarships for their poetic talents. This contest encourages participants to submit up to two of their best and unpublished poems, with the promise of substantial rewards for the winners. The first-place winner not only receives a $350 cash prize and publication in Hollins’ acclaimed literary magazine, “Cargoes,” but also ten copies of the magazine, a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 per year for four years if they enroll at Hollins University, and free tuition and housing for the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program.

The second-place winner also enjoys the prestige of being published in “Cargoes,” along with two copies of the magazine, a renewable scholarship of up to $1,000 per year for four years at Hollins, and a $500 scholarship for the Hollinsummer program. Participation in this contest not only bolsters a student’s portfolio for college applications but also offers a glimpse into Hollins University’s vibrant writing community. Winning or participating in the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest can be a significant advantage for college admissions, demonstrating a student’s creative abilities and potential for literary achievement.

5. Princeton University Writing Contests

Location : Princeton University
Contest Date : June 2024 (Ten-Minute Play Contest); April 2024 (Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry)
Application Deadline : April 1, 2024 (Ten-Minute Play Contest); November 26, 2023 (Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry)
Eligibility : The contests are open exclusively to U.S. and international students who are in the eleventh grade.

Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts annually sponsors prestigious writing contests for high school students, supported by generous donations from alumni and friends of the Arts. The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize, judged by poets from Princeton’s own Creative Writing faculty, celebrates exceptional poetry by student writers. Contestants may submit up to three poems, with the opportunity to win substantial cash prizes: $1,500 for first place, $750 for second, and $500 for third. Similarly, the Ten-Minute Play Contest provides an exclusive opportunity for 11th graders to demonstrate their playwriting skills. Each year, a notable guest playwright judges the submissions. Students can submit one play, competing for prizes of $500, $250, and $100 for first, second, and third place, respectively.

Blair Hall on the Princeton University campus.

Winning or even participating in creative writing competitions for high school students can significantly bolster a student’s college application, highlighting their creative abilities and showcasing their affiliation with a prestigious institution like Princeton University, which is known for its excellence in the arts. Participating in these contests displays students’ commitment to their craft and ability to compete at a high level, qualities that are highly valued in the competitive college admissions process.

6. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Cost : $10 per individual entry; $30 per portfolio
Contest Date : January (Regional Awards); March (National Awards)
Application Deadline : December–January (varies by region)
Eligibility : Participants must be students in grades 7-12, at least 13 years old, and reside in the United States, U.S. territories or military bases, or Canada.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have fostered creativity in American teens for over a century. This prestigious program allows young artists and writers to explore a wide range of topics freely, encouraging bold and original ideas. Initially, students compete regionally, with the potential to earn various awards. At the national level, winners are celebrated at a star-studded ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City, with past guests including prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey and Amy Schumer. The national stage not only recognizes their talent but also showcases their work in regional and travelling exhibitions. Outstanding works are also featured in the annual art catalog and writing anthology, with all National Medalists listed in the Yearbook.

National Medalists are eligible for scholarships up to $12,500, highlighting the program’s commitment to supporting young talent financially. Full-tuition scholarships are also available for recognized teens to attend summer art or writing programs. Additionally, designated scholarships in partner colleges and universities emphasize the program’s influence on higher education. Participation in this program can significantly enhance a student’s college application, demonstrating their dedication and talent in the arts. The opportunity to earn scholarships and recognition at national and regional levels provides a substantial advantage in the competitive college admissions process, setting these young artists and writers apart.

7. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

Cost : $15 (submission fee)
Contest Date : Unspecified (for 2024)
Application Deadline : Unspecified (for 2024)
Eligibility : All high school and college students, including those from other countries and those who finished school a semester early, can participate in the contests.

The Adroit Prizes, presented by The Adroit Journal , a literary and arts nonprofit organization established in 2010 by poet Peter LaBerge, stands as a prestigious recognition in the literary world. The journal annually awards two students of secondary or undergraduate status. These students are typically emerging writers from high school or college whose exceptional works make them stand out. Participants are allowed to submit up to five pieces across poetry and prose categories. For poetry, each submission can include up to six poems, not exceeding ten single-spaced pages. In contrast, prose submissions can contain up to three pieces of fiction or creative nonfiction, with a combined word limit of 3,500 words, including excerpts.

Winners of The Adroit Prizes receive $200 each, and their work, along with that of the runners-up, is featured in The Adroit Journal. Additionally, runners-up and finalists are gifted a copy of their judges’ latest book. This recognition sets the program apart among creative writing competitions for high school students as it not only offers financial rewards but also provides significant exposure and publication opportunities for young writers . Being recognized by a well-regarded journal like The Adroit can be a valuable asset in the competitive college admissions process, highlighting a student’s creative abilities and potential for success in higher education and beyond.

8. The Claudia Ann Seaman Award for Young Writers

Cost : $5 submission fee (for Fall, Winter, and Summer Contests ONLY)
Contest Date : Varies (depends on Reading Periods and Seasonal Contests)
Application Deadline : Varies (depends on Reading Periods and Seasonal Contests)
Eligibility : High school students worldwide aged 14 to 18, are eligible to participate.

The Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers, established in memory of a young poet by the Seaman family, celebrate and acknowledge excellence in teen writing across poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Each year, the editorial staff selects nominees from works accepted for publication, and a panel of professional, published authors then chooses a winner in each of the three genres. Winners receive a $200 cash award, and two honorable mentions are also recognized in each genre.

View of a student using her laptop while writing.

This opportunity is not just about publication and the cash prize; it’s a chance for young writers to engage with a global literary community, receive valuable feedback from experts, and enhance their writing skills. Furthermore, the recognition from this award can significantly enhance a student’s portfolio, making it a noteworthy addition to college applications. Being selected or even nominated for the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards demonstrates a student’s dedication to their craft and ability to produce work that resonates with a broader audience.

9. National Council of Teachers of English

Contest Date : May 2024
Application Deadline : February 15, 2024
Eligibility : Sophomores and juniors can be nominated by their school’s English department for Achievement Awards in Writing. Eighth-grade students can be nominated by a school committee or department for the Promising Young Writers contest. US-accredited schools in the Schools in the United States, its territories, Canada, and American Schools Abroad are eligible to nominate students.

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is dedicated to enhancing the teaching and learning English and language arts at all educational levels. Among its initiatives, the NCTE hosts two significant writing programs for students: the Achievement Awards in Writing for high school students and the Promising Young Writers program for eighth graders. In both competitions, students must create themed writings based on topics set by the respective advisory committees. This approach challenges students to engage with relevant and thought-provoking subjects and helps develop their critical thinking and creativity.

The top-scoring entries in each category are honored with the First Class distinction in the Achievement Awards in Writing or the Promising Young Writers program. All nominated students receive a certificate from their nominating teacher, and those awarded First Class recognition have their names and their schools’ names published on the NCTE website. Being recognized by a national organization like the NCTE can add considerable value to a student’s college application, showcasing their commitment to and excellence in the field of English and language arts.

10. The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

Contest Date : February 2024
Application Deadline : November 30, 2023
Eligibility : High school sophomores and juniors are eligible to join the contest.

The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers is an esteemed annual contest designed to celebrate and recognize the poetic talents of high school sophomores and juniors. Named to honor Patricia Grodd for her unwavering support of The Kenyon Review and her dedication to education and poetry, the prize stands as a significant opportunity for young poets. The contest’s winners and runners-up earn the honor of having their poems published in The Kenyon Review, one of the most respected literary journals, a testament to the contest’s prestige in the literary world. Additionally, the winner is awarded a full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop, further nurturing their literary skills.

Being featured in The Kenyon Review is a notable achievement, as it signals a young writer’s entry into the broader literary community and provides substantial exposure. This recognition can be invaluable for a student’s college applications, highlighting not only their talent in poetry but also their ability to achieve at a high level in competitive environments.

11. NaNoWriMo

Contest Date : February 1-28, 2024
Application Deadline : February 28, 2024
Eligibility : Young writers aged 18 years old and under are eligible for NaNoWriMo’s “Now What?” Young Writers Contest.

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), initiated in 1999, presents a formidable yet exciting challenge: writing 50,000 words of a novel within a month. Annually, starting November 1, hundreds of thousands globally embark on this journey, aiming to complete a first draft by month’s end. The Young Writers Program, a vital part of NaNoWriMo, supports writers under 18 and K-12 educators throughout this event and in smaller challenges throughout the year. January and February are designated as “Now What?” months, focusing on revising and polishing the novels aiming towards publication. The program offers grand prizes to one writer aged 14-18 and another prize for writers aged 13 or younger, along with several runner-up prizes.

Winners are selected by a special guest judge from official finalists and receive recognition on NaNoWriMo’s blog and social media, along with gift certificates for the NaNoWriMo store. In 2022, NaNoWriMo saw the participation of 413,295 writers, including 21,326 young writers, with 51,670 writers meeting their writing goals. Participating in NaNoWriMo can significantly bolster a student’s college application, showcasing their commitment to a substantial project, their ability to meet deadlines, and their creative writing skills.

12. Writopia Lab Worldwide Plays Festival

Eligibility : The Worldwide Play Festival accepts submissions from playwrights aged 6 to 18.

Writopia Lab, established in New York City in 2007, is a nonprofit organization that offers creative writing workshops and camps for children and teenagers. Since 2010, it has hosted the Worldwide Plays Festival, an annual Off-Broadway event featuring one-act plays written by young playwrights aged 6 to 18. These plays, which range from comedies and musicals to monologues and historical dramas, are brought to life by professional New York City theater artists. Each year, the festival adopts a different theme, with 2023 focusing on “Bravery, MakeBelieve & Language.” Playwrights are invited to write an 8-minute play of any genre, incorporating at least one specified prop or costume.

The standout feature of this festival is the opportunity for young playwrights to see their work produced if selected as winners. This experience not only provides them with a rare chance to engage with theater professionals but also offers a significant boost to their artistic portfolios. Furthermore, participation in the Worldwide Plays Festival can be a pivotal point for college admissions, demonstrating students’ creative abilities and capacity to engage in complex storytelling. Having a play produced at such a prestigious event underscores a young writer’s talent and commitment, making their college applications stand out.

13. YoungArts Program

Cost : $35 (application fee)
Application Deadline : October 2024
Eligibility : Artists aged 15-18 or in grades 10-12 who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S. (documentation required) are eligible to join. Previous National YoungArts Week award winners are not allowed to apply, regardless of discipline or category.

Founded in 1981, YoungArts has been pivotal in identifying and nurturing outstanding young artists, dedicating itself to enhancing their potential and supporting their creative freedom throughout their careers. Unique in its approach, YoungArts is among the few U.S. organizations that support artists across 10 disciplines, including writing, which encompasses creative nonfiction, novels, plays or scripts, poetry, short stories, and spoken word. Participation in YoungArts offers several benefits, including cash awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, which can be a substantial aid for young artists. One of the key aspects of YoungArts is the mentorship provided by accomplished artists, helping award winners navigate and prepare for a career in the arts.

Additionally, YoungArts award winners have the opportunity to be nominated as U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, one of the highest honors for high school students in the U.S. This national recognition not only boosts the profile of emerging artists but also significantly enhances their college applications, showcasing their achievements and potential to academic institutions. The prestigious nature of the award and the recognition from respected artists in their field provide a substantial advantage in the competitive landscape of college admissions and artistic endeavors.

14. Young Authors Writing Competition

Eligibility : Students from grades 9-12, typically aged 14 to 18 years old, are eligible to participate in the competition.

The Young Authors Writing Competition, hosted by the English and Creative Writing Department at Columbia College Chicago, offers a notable platform for young writers to showcase their talents. Participants are allowed to submit up to two works in each of the Creative Nonfiction and Fiction categories, and in the Poetry category, up to two files with 1-5 poems each. This means a total of six files can be submitted across all categories, encompassing a wide range of forms, styles, and subjects. The competition is transitioning to an entirely online and digital format, making it more accessible to a broader range of participants.

Winners of the competition are awarded cash prizes and the opportunity for their work to be published online, providing significant exposure for young writers. What sets this competition apart from popular creative writing competitions for high school students is its affiliation with Columbia College Chicago , a prestigious institution known for its strong writing and creative arts programs. Participating in this competition can significantly enhance a student’s college application, demonstrating not only their writing skills but also their initiative and ability to compete at a high level. Additionally, the chance to have their work associated with a respected college offers young authors a valuable stepping stone in their writing careers, opening doors to further educational and professional opportunities in the literary field.

15. The Bennington Young Writers Awards

Contest Date : Spring 2024
Application Deadline : November 2024
Eligibility : Students in grades 9-12 from the United States and international students are invited to enter the competition.

Bennington College, renowned for its rich literary history that includes twelve Pulitzer Prize winners and three U.S. poet laureates, celebrates this tradition with the Young Writers Award. This prestigious competition is aimed at high school students to foster and recognize exceptional writing skills. Open to both U.S. and international students, participants can enter categories of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, each with specific guidelines. First-place winners in each category receive $1,000, second-place winners get $500, and third-place winners are awarded $250. Moreover, Young Writers Award finalists and winners who apply, are admitted, and enroll at Bennington College can receive significant scholarships. Finalists are eligible for a $10,000 yearly scholarship for four years, totaling $40,000, while winners can receive a $15,000 annual scholarship over four years, amounting to $60,000.

The Bennington Young Writers Award stands out for its association with a prestigious institution and the opportunities it offers beyond the competition. The scholarships offered to finalists and winners also provide a substantial incentive, easing the financial burden of higher education. For aspiring writers, this award is not just a competition but a gateway to educational advancement and a successful career in the literary field.

Participating in creative writing competitions for high school students enhances writing skills, nurtures creativity, and offers a competitive edge in college admissions. Ultimately, it lays a strong foundation for young writers’ future academic and professional success.

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23 Writing Competitions for High School Students

What’s covered:, why should you enter a writing competition, writing competitions for high school students, how do writing competitions affect my admissions chances.

Do you dream of writing the next great American novel? Are you passionate about poetry? Do you aspire to become a screenwriter? No matter what genre of writing you’re interested in—whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or something else entirely—there’s a writing competition focused on it.

Writing competitions provide great motivation to put pen to paper (or finger to key). Moreover, they’re an excellent step toward getting published, and can ultimately start you on the path to becoming a professional writer.

One of the best ways to improve your writing is simply to write—and competitions provide an excellent impetus to do so. Writing competitions also serve as an introduction to what life is like for many writers; participants entering writing competitions will receive a prompt or must think of an original idea, compose a piece of work, and submit it for review.

Another benefit of entering a writing competition for high schoolers is that many offer cash awards and scholarships, which can be used to help with the costs of college.

Additionally, many writing competitions are run by colleges and universities, so submitting them is a great way to introduce faculty to yourself and your work. If you win an award—especially a prestigious award—it can significantly improve your odds of college acceptance.

1. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

Type: Poetry and Prose

Submission Fee: $15

Prize: $200

Deadline: May 1, 2023

Eligibility:

All secondary and undergraduate students

Guidelines:

Each student may send up to five total submissions across the genres of poetry and prose
Each poetry submission may include up to six poems (maximum of ten pages single-spaced). Each prose submission may include up to three works of fiction or creative nonfiction (combined word limit of 3,500 words; excerpts are acceptable).

Adroit Prizes are awarded to emerging high school and college writers in two categories: poetry and prose. Winning pieces are considered for publication in the Adroit Journal and winners receive an award of $200. The 2023 judges are Natalie Diaz and Ocean Vuong.

2. Ten-Minute Play Contest

Type: Plays

Submission Fee: N/A

Deadline: Passed, but the contest will reopen in 2024

Eligibility: Students in the eleventh grade in the U.S. (or international equivalent of the eleventh grade)

Guidelines: Applicants may submit only one play (10 pages maximum)

The Ten-Minute Play Contest is put on by Princeton University’s Lewis Center of the Arts. Applicants are allowed to submit one play that is no longer than 10 pages. Their submissions are judged by members of Princeton University’s Theater Program faculty.

3. Ayn Rand Anthem and The Fountainhead Essay Contests

Type: Essays

Anthem: $2,000
The Fountainhead : $5,000
Anthem: Grades 8-12
The Fountainhead : Grades 11-12
Anthem: Essays must be written in English only and between 600 and 1,200 words in length, double-spaced
The Fountainhead: Essays must be written in English only and between 800 and 1,600 words in length, double-spaced

In this essay competition, students pick one of three prompts about a topic related to Ayn Rand’s books and write an essay that goes through three stages of grading. Students are graded on their clarity, organization, understanding, and ability to stay “on topic.”

4. Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize

Type: Poetry

Prize: $500-$1,500

Eligibility: Students must be in the 11th grade in the U.S. or abroad

Guidelines: Applicants may submit up to 3 poems

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize is another contest run by Princeton University’s Lewis Center of the Arts. Winners are chosen by judges who are both poets and members of Princeton University’s creative writing faculty. Three monetary awards are available.

5. World Historian Student Essay Competition

Prize: $500

Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades K–12 in public, private, and parochial schools, and those in home-study programs

Guidelines: Essays should be approximately 1,000 words

Winners of this competition receive a $500 prize along with a free yearlong membership to the World History Association . To apply, you must submit an approximately 1,000-word essay responding to the following prompt:

Submit an essay that addresses the following topic and discusses how it relates to you personally and to World History: Your view of a family story related to a historical event or your personal family cultural background, or an issue of personal relevance or specific regional history/knowledge.

6. Jane Austen Society of North America Essay Contest

Prize: $250-$1,000

Deadline: June 1, 2023

Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students

Must be submitted by the student through the official Essay Contest Submission website
Entries may include a statement about the student’s mentor; however, a mentor statement is not required
The essay must be 6-8 pages in length, not including the Works Cited page
The essay must use MLA documentation, including a Works Cited page and parenthetical citations in the body of the text. Use endnotes only for substantive notes. Source material that is directly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized must be cited. Quotations from the Jane Austen work under discussion should be cited as well.

The Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Contest is an annual writing competition aimed at fostering an appreciation for its namesake’s work. The contest is broken down into three divisions—high school, college/university, and graduate school.

First-place winners are awarded a $1,000 prize along with free registration and lodging for two nights at JASNA’s Annual General Meeting—smaller monetary awards are also given to second- and third-place essayists.

This year’s essay topic:

In Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen’s other novels, we see proposals and marriages that are motivated by love, as well as those that are better described as arranged marriages or marriages of convenience. Many cultures today also expect arranged marriages (not the same as forced). In your essay, compare and discuss the different types of marriages or courtships found in the novels, whether those relationships are new or longstanding.

7. Bennington College Young Writers Awards

Type: Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction

Deadline: November 1, 2023

Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12

Poetry: A group of three poems
Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer) or one-act play (run no more than 30 minutes of playing time)
Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)

Bennington College has a strong history of developing writers—it’s produced twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three U.S. poet laureates, and countless New York Times bestsellers—and the Bennington College Young Writers Awards celebrate this legacy.

In addition to offering cash awards to winners and finalists in all three categories, winners and finalists who apply and are accepted to Bennington College are also eligible for substantial scholarships.

8. Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest

Type: Poetry and Essays

Deadline: November 16, 2023

You are required to have a team of 2 or more people
The team must be intergenerational

Guidelines: Maximum length of 500 words (approximately 2 pages)

This unique writing competition requires that entries must be submitted by a team of two people from different generations—for example, a high school student and a teacher. Contestants can compete in a number of categories and themes, each with unique submission requirements.

9. NSHSS Creative Writing Scholarship

Type: Fiction and Poetry

Prize: $2,000

Deadline: October 2, 2023

Eligibility: Rising high school students graduating in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and recently graduated 2023 seniors

Poetry: Students may submit their original poetry in any style, from formal verse to free verse to experimental. The poem should be formatted as you wish it to appear in the publication.
Fiction: Students may submit a piece of short fiction, which must be no more than 5,000 words and should not be single-spaced. The entry may be any genre of the student’s choice, including graphic novel or story.
Must submit educator recommendation, academic resume, and current transcript with application

Winning works for this competition are chosen based on their creativity, technique, expression, and originality. Three winners are chosen in each category and each winner receives a $2,000 prize.

10. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest

Prize: $100-$10,000

Eligibility: The contest is open to United States high school students in grades 9-12, U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program, and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas.

Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count.
Essays must have a minimum of five sources.

The prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest is one of the most recognizable and prestigious writing competitions for high schoolers in the nation. Essays for the contest are required to describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917. The first-place winner of the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Contest takes home a $10,000 award and second place receives a $3,000 prize.

11. YoungArts National Writing Competition

Deadline: Opens June 2023

Eligibility: 15- to 18-year-old visual, literary, or performing artist based in the United States

Guidelines: To be released

YoungArts supports talented young artists between the ages of 15 and 18 (or grades 10-12) in 10 disciplines, including writing. Applicants can submit entries in six genres—creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story, and spoken word.

12. SPJ/JEA High School Essay Contest

Submission Fee: $5

Prize: $300-$1,000

Eligibility: All students enrolled in grades 9-12 in U.S. public, private and home schools within the United States

The essay should be 300-500 words
Entries may be typed or handwritten but must be double-spaced

This high school writing contest is presented by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and the Journalism Education Association (JEA) to increase awareness of the importance of independent media.

Last year’s prompt was:

While consumers are drawn toward tweets and sound bites, how can journalists tell more of the story without losing readers’ interest?

13. VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competitions

Eligibility: High school students with disabilities

10-minute script
Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration between two students that includes at least one student with a disability

This writing competition, presented by the Kennedy Center, is open to students ages 15-18 (or enrolled in high school) with disabilities. Writers may submit a “ten-minute” script in any genre, including plays, musicals, multimedia, video, film, TV, and podcasts.

Entries can be the work of an individual or the product of collaboration—provided that at least one of the collaborators has a disability. Multiple winners are chosen and given the chance to work with industry professionals, attend Kennedy Center professional development activities, and participate in networking opportunities.

14. Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Prize: $350

Eligibility: Women who are sophomores or juniors in high school or preparatory school

Guidelines: No more than two poems by any one student may be submitted

For almost six decades, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest has provided recognition, scholarships, and awards to the best female high school sophomore and junior poets. Submissions are reviewed by faculty members of Hollins University’s creative writing program and students enrolled in its M.F.A. in creative writing.

The first-place winner receives a $350 cash prize, a renewable $5,000 scholarship to Hollins University if they choose to enroll there, as well as free tuition and housing at the university’s Hollinsummer creative writing program. Their winning work is also published in Cargoes , the university’s student literary magazine.

15. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

Type: Various

Submission Fee: $10 for individual entry, $30 for portfolio (can use Fee Waiver Form)

Prize: Varies

Deadline: Opens in September

Eligibility: Teens in grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up)

Guidelines: Varies by category

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. They offer 28 submission categories, including writing, critical essay, dramatic scripts, flash fiction, journalism, humor, novel writing, personal essay and memoir, poetry, science fiction and fantasy, and short story.

Works are judged by famous jurors who look for works that show originality, skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Students can earn a variety of scholarships through success in these competitions.

Works that celebrate individual differences or personal grief, loss, and bereavement are eligible for $1,000 scholarships. High school seniors submitting winning portfolios of six works are eligible for up to $12,500 in scholarships.

16. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Type: Creative Writing and Poetry

Prize: $100-$1,500

Deadline: June 13, 2023

Students ages 11-18 from around the world
Students can participate as an individual or as a club, class, or group of any size
All students must provide the contact information for an Adult Sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.)
Creative Writing: no more than 5 pages (approximately 1,250 words)
Poetry: no more than 2 pages
A written reflection is required to accompany your submission, regardless of category. It is like the introduction to a book or an artist’s statement in a museum.

The 12th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students can participate in six different categories, including poetry and spoken word, and creative writing.

This year’s prompt centers around climate issues:

Research and choose an inspirational scientist, activist, artist, educator, or other hero who is working to solve climate change issues. Create a piece of art, writing, or media that highlights their efforts, organizations, and/or positive impacts. We are familiar with the amazing work of environmental giants like Greta Thunberg and David Attenborough. We challenge you to introduce the Bow Seat community to a Climate Hero whose work we may not know about yet – but should.

17. John Locke Global Essay Competition

Submission Fee: N/A (unless late entry)

Prize: $2,000-$10,000 toward attending any John Locke Institute program

Deadline: June 30, 2023 (must register by May 31, 2023)

Eligibility: Candidates must be no older than 18 years old on June 30, 2023 (Candidates for the Junior Prize must be no older than 14 on the same date)

Guidelines: Each essay must address only one of the questions in your chosen subject category, and must not exceed 2,000 words (not counting diagrams, tables of data, footnotes, bibliography, or authorship declaration)

Students competing in this competition have the opportunity to write an essay in one of seven categories—philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Each category has three prompts, from which students choose and respond to one.

Essays are judged on knowledge and understanding of the relevant material, the competent use of evidence, quality of argumentation, originality, structure, writing style, and persuasive force.

If you miss the deadline, you can submit a late entry up until July 10. Late entries will be charged a $20 late fee.

18. AFSA National High School Essay Contest

Prize: $2,500

Students whose parents are not in the Foreign Service are eligible to participate.
Students must be in grades 9-12 in any of the 50 states, Washington, D.C, the U.S. territories, or—if they are U.S. citizens/lawful permanent residents —attending high school overseas.

Guidelines: Your essay should be at least 1,000 words but should not exceed 1,500 words (word count does not apply to the list of sources)

The AFSA Essay Contest focuses on knowledge of foreign policy and the American Foreign Service. Last year’s prompt was:

In your essay, you will select a country or region in which the United States Foreign Service has been involved at any point since 1924 and describe, in 1,500 words or less, how the Foreign Service was successful or unsuccessful in advancing American foreign policy goals – including promoting peace – in this country/region and propose ways in which it might continue to improve those goals in the coming years.

The first-place winner receives $2,500, a paid trip to the nation’s capital with their parents from anywhere in the U.S., and an all-expenses-paid educational voyage courtesy of Semester at Sea. The runner-up wins $1,250 and full tuition to attend a summer session of the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program.

19. EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Prize: $100-$500

The contest is open to individual students in the following three competition categories—Elementary School Students (grades 3-5), Middle School Students (grades 6-8), or High School Students (grades 9-12).
You can also qualify with corresponding homeschool or international grade levels.
High school student essays must be no more than 750 words
You must also include a reference list of 3-10 resources

In this competition, students choose one of four prompts related to the 20 Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century and explore the technologies that have been developed in the last century and technologies that are being developed today. Students are judged based on their presentation and examples of engineering (~35%), their celebration of diversity (~50%), and their quality of writing (~15%).

20. The Blank Theatre Young Playwright’s Festival

Prize: Play is produced

Eligibility: Playwrights must be 19 years old or younger as of March 15, 2023; co-authored plays are welcome, provided all authors are 19 or younger

Original plays or musicals of any length or genre and on any subject
Up to three plays per playwright or team

While winners of this theater competition do not receive a cash prize, they have the unique opportunity to be mentored by leaders in the field, then will have their play directed and performed by professional artists during the following summer. The 12 best submissions are produced and professionally performed.

21. Saint Mary’s College of California River of Words Contest

Type: Poetry and Arts

The contest is open to K-12 students, ages 5-19
Students must be enrolled in school to be eligible
Participants may submit up to 5 entries for poetry and 5 entries for art (total of up to 10 entries)
Poems should not exceed 32 lines in length (written) or 3 minutes (signed)
Collaborative poems and artwork are accepted, but only one student (chosen as the group representative) will be eligible for any prizes awarded

The River of Words contest aims to promote environmental literacy through the exchange of arts and culture. River of Words has been inspiring educators and students through this competition for over 25 years.

The goal of River of Words is to connect youth with their watersheds—the environments they live in—through engagement with art and poetry related to the idea of “place.” They look for art and poetry that shows the connection between students and the worlds around them.

22. Ayn Rand Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Prize: $10,000

Deadline: November 6, 2023

Eligibility: Open to all 12th grade, college, and graduate students worldwide

Guidelines: Essays must be between 800 and 1,600 words in length

In this essay competition, high school seniors pick one of three prompts about a topic related to Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and write an essay that goes through three stages of grading. Students are graded on their clarity, organization, understanding, and ability to stay “on topic.”

23. Writopia Lab’s Worldwide Plays Festival

Prize: Play produced

Eligibility: Playwrights ages 6 to 18

8 minutes maximum
Any genre or style
Plays should have no more than three characters
There can be no narrator of the play who is not emotionally invested in the story
Students must incorporate at least one of the following props or costumes —blue plates, a yellow blouse, a Valentine’s heart with the word “Love,” a flower crown, a plush hotdog, a Mardi Gras bead with jester heads, a pack of clothespins, Russian nesting dolls, a set of miniature cymbals, a lavender blouse, a lei, or a roll of aluminum foil

Since 2010, Writopia Lab has been producing, designing, and directing one-act plays submitted by young playwrights. These winning plays are then performed by New York City theater professionals. The contest looks for playwrights who embody fearlessness and imagination. Writopia Lab says, “Write deeply! Write fiercely! Write politically and personally! And don’t be afraid to write with a sense of play – they are called plays, after all.”

While we can’t know exactly how activities outside of the classroom will affect your college admissions odds, the 4 Tiers of Extracurricular Activities provide a helpful framework for understanding how colleges view your extracurriculars.

Extracurricular activities in Tiers 1 and 2 are reserved for the most exclusive and acclaimed awards, and can significantly improve your odds of college admission. By contrast, Tiers 3 and 4 are reserved for more common extracurriculars, and have less of an impact on your chances of college admission.

For example, if you place in a nationally renowned writing competition—a Tier 2 activity—this will positively affect your admissions chances. On the other hand, if you receive an honorable mention in your high school’s poetry contest—a Tier 4 activity—your admissions chances will not be significantly affected.

That said, if you are applying to an English Literature or Creative Writing program with a well-developed essay and recommendations that emphasize your commitment to language, participation in Tier 3 and 4 writing competitions could help admissions officers conceptualize your passion for your future career.

Curious how the writing competition you participated in will affect your college admission chances? CollegeVine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses a variety of factors—including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars—to estimate your odds of getting into hundreds of colleges and universities, while also providing insight into how to improve your profile.

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Tags: Fiction Writing , Novel , Novel Writing , Short Story Poetry

Do you wish to write but don’t know how to start? If you have writer’s block, this article is for you! This article includes 100 plus creative writing prompts across all genres to kickstart your writing journey.

From horror writing prompts to fantasy writing prompts, we’ve covered everything for you! Before we see examples of writing prompts, let’s quickly understand the meaning of writing prompts.

Ready to take your writing to the next level? Learn more

What are writing prompts?

A writing prompt is a simple topic idea to inspire the writer to get the first words on the page. It can be a picture, a line from a poem, or an imaginary scenario. Writing prompts can be abstract, realistic, evocative, thought-provoking, insightful, or descriptive.

Dive in to see exciting writing prompts from various genres! These also include many creative writing prompts for adults.

1. Horror writing prompts

1) A man inside the coffin breaks the coffin and starts walking.

2) A demonic spirit has entered your friend’s body and she is moving closer to attack you.

3) You wake up in an empty house and see a ghost.

4) A doll you brought for a friend suddenly starts speaking.

5) You suddenly see a man who was supposed to have died in 1900.

6) A vampire you saw in your dream kidnaps you in real life.

7) You are awakened by drops of blood falling on your face.

8) You have an accident and suddenly see a centaur who has a half-human, half-animal face.

9) You are walking in the forest and witness a shocking ritual where people are drinking blood.

10) You wear an old ring you found after which something terrible keeps happening to you.

11) An excavator finds an old mummy while digging which tries to grab him.

Now let’s see some of the best creative writing prompts for adults and kids for journaling,

2. Journal writing prompts

1) Describe a childhood memory that always makes you smile.

2) Write about a dream you had that you can never forget.

3) Recount your biggest challenge and what you learned from it.

4) Name three people who inspire you the most and why.

5) Pen a letter to yourself and describe your accomplishments and future goals.

6) Explain what would you like to change if you had a chance to go back in time.

7) Narrate an incident where the kindness of strangers moved you.

8) Express in detail some of your best memories with school friends.

9) List five activities you love to do and your efforts to perform those activities.

10) Tell in detail about your favorite travel destination.

11) Describe your most challenging times and how you overcame them.

If you wish to explore writing about mysteries, the following are some creative prompts about mysteries.

3. Mystery writing prompts

1) Ten scientists die on the same day and a Scotland Yard detective is assigned to find out why.

2) A top bureaucrat starts getting anonymous threatening notes and decides to investigate.

3) A retired police officer decides to play detective and solve the case of his granddaughter’s death.

4) A private investigator is assigned to find the truth about a journalist who went missing.

5) A meteor strikes a village after which people start falling sick.

6) An archaeologist finds a document about a cursed treasure and decides to find out the truth.

7) A young boy hears screams from a tower and sees torch lights flashing in the dark.

8) A factory burns and an investigator finds out whether the fire was caused naturally or intentionally.

9) A girl inquires to understand why her dog was shot and discovers a shocking truth.

10) A son promises his mother to uncover the reason behind his sister’s suicide.

11) A police inspector has to solve the murder case of an orphan who was earlier arrested in a drug case.

4. Romance writing prompts

1) A girl falls in love with a video gamer she met in college.

2) A 70-year-old realizes that he has fallen in love with a woman he met at an old age home.

3) A man meets his childhood crush after years and tries to woo her once more.

4) Two best friends decide to experiment and set up a double date.

5) Give a love story to a person whom everyone assumes to be a villain.

6) Pen a romance story with the words affair, flirting, infatuation, and fling.

7) A man who has a phobia of getting married meets a girl with a similar fear.

8) Write a love story of two people staying in two different countries.

9) Two employees from rival companies fall in love.

10) A paramedic falls in love with a spy whose life she saves. She later realizes that he will soon embark on a dangerous mission.

11) Write a love story of a librarian and a time-traveler.

Instead of writing about romance, you might be interested in the science fiction genre. Given below are some creative prompts related to science fiction.

5. Science fiction writing prompts

1) Two scientists invent a machine that can control and manipulate weather.

2) An astronaut flies to the planet Jupiter and discovers alien life.

3) An archaeologist finds an old book about a magical time travel ritual and uses that ritual to go back in time.

4) A young boy finds a hidden library of science books and is trapped inside the library.

5) A science teacher decides to take revenge against the government by performing a dangerous science experiment.

6) A jailed scientist uses science to escape and prove his innocence.

7) A science geek creates an AI program that can hack the data of government and private organizations without leaving a trace.

8) A spaceship is pulled into another universe by an unknown force and aliens are planning to invade the Earth.

9) A scientist designs a robot that looks and talks exactly like the country’s President and plans to kill the real President.

10) To reduce population, a crazy scientist makes a deadly plan to release a virus into the air.

11) A chemistry professor creates a dangerous solution that can massively change the genes of animals and humans.

If science fiction is not your cup of tea and you love fantasy, here are some creative writing prompts about fantasy.

6. Fantasy writing prompts

1) An archaeologist enters a magical world of dragons and is unable to return to Earth.

2) A tribal girl develops fairy wings and she is later assigned the task to save the fairy race from extinction.

3) A man discovers a magical dream shop where dreams are sold to change reality.

4) A musician visits a hidden world and finds a magical flute that can hypnotize people and make them stand still.

5) A boy finds a small dwarf in his garden who shows him the train to travel to parallel universes.

6) A woman finds the feather of a rare bird, using which she enters the world of lost secrets.

7) A college student falls in love with a cursed mermaid and travels to her land to free her from the curse.

8) An excavator opens a door and arrives in the land where destinies are written.

9) A man unintentionally awakens a sleeping devil who creates a new world and new citizens to destroy the earth.

10) A girl realizes that she has the power to control stars and is pulled into a world of demons and monsters.

11) A fairy falls in love with a human and must convince Fairyland to accept her love and let her go.

You might also have an interest in writing poems about various topics. For poetry lovers, the following are some of the best creative writing prompts.

7. Poetry writing prompts

1) Write a poem about your favorite fairy tale as a child.

2) Describe an unforgettable memory with your first crush in a poem.

3) Pen a poem about a stray dog who became your best friend.

4) Craft a poem about the beauty of witnessing fireflies in the dark.

5) Explore the sadness of losing touch with school classmates in a poem.

6) Narrate an incident about a memorable dance you saw in a poem.

7) Write a poem that has the quote “Tough times never last but tough people do”.

8) Compose a poem on a special gift you received and its importance.

9) Pen a poem about your favorite cartoon character.

10) Write a poem about how a person who passed away inspired you in life.

11) Compose a poem about a magical land where you wish to go.

If you love to write on light-hearted, funny topics, given below are some of the best writing prompts for you!

8. Funny writing prompts

1) Jot down a hilarious conversation between a madman and a witty parrot.

2) Create a funny story about how a person is forced to communicate with a stranger who doesn’t understand English.

3) Write a funny dialogue about a person who says something wrong at the most inappropriate time.

4) Describe a prank where you created a savory dish that looked like chocolate and made your friend taste it.

5) Write a humorous conversation between a standup comedian and an angry spectator.

6) Pen a story about a disaster that takes place because a scientist forgot to add a valuable component to an experiment.

7) Craft a funny story about a brother who takes revenge on his sister for revealing his girlfriend to his parents.

8) Imagine a funny situation where a friend tries to copy everything you do to irritate you and write about it.

9) Write about a funny incident when you received a parcel you hadn’t ordered.

10) Narrate an incident about a funny costume party where everyone was dressed up as different animals.

11) Write about a comic incident where an aunt asked you to take responsibility for her son while she was away. However, the son ends up in prison.

9. Short story writing prompts

1) Write a short story about a ship that mysteriously sank in the ocean.

2) Pen a short story about a girl who has synesthesia and sees colors around people.

3) Craft a short story about a mountaineer who decides to climb Mount Everest.

4) Develop a short story about a road trip gone wrong.

5) Write a short story about what happens when a government official finds out about a dangerous secret.

6) Create a short story about a detective who disguises himself and is discovered.

7) Pen a short story about a businessman with a big scar and a twisted lip.

8) Write a short story about how a boy discovers a magical wishing feather after which his every wish comes true.

9) Develop a short story about a blind man who takes revenge for an insult.

10) Craft a short story about an eagle who saves a jungle from being destroyed.

11) Write a short story about the last living princess who makes a mark on the world.

If you wish to explore historical fiction instead, here are some of the best writing prompts for you!

10. Historical fiction writing prompts

1) A librarian discovers a shocking secret about the Second World War which can change the future of the USA and Russia.

2) Write a story about a mirror that talks about an ancient era and reveals a secret about that era.

3) Craft a tale about a poet who wrote about the Red Indians.

4) A political leader begins a movement to get recognition for a lesser-known historical figure, resulting in controversy.

5) An excavator finds a valuable artifact from the Mayan civilization that could affect the world’s future.

6) A girl realizes that she is the last living descendant of a French queen and must protect a family secret at all costs.

7) A bureaucrat finds a diary about a man who suffered during the Great Depression and resolves to make amends.

8) A boy has dreams about the First World War and decides to solve the mystery of his dreams.

9) A tribe decides to get back a valuable historical artifact stolen from them.

10) A historian finds out about the most dangerous escape of an American soldier.

11) A girl discovers a magical portal that transports her to the 18th century.

Now that you’ve understood what are writing prompts, you can use one prompt daily and start writing. The next step after writing is editing. As providers of editing and proofreading services , we’d love to help you edit and perfect your writing!

We realize how writing and editing can be challenging tasks. Here are some resources to enhance your writing:

The dynamics of Christian book editing and proofreading
What Is Developmental Editing? A Self-Editing Checklist
How to Write a Novel in Past Tense? 3 Steps & Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

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11 Themes & Topics for Story Writing Competitions

October 16, 2023

Every writer dreams of winning a short story competition at some point. It is one of those sweet dreams that push you towards writing better and fills you with the essential motivation to keep doing the lonely task of writing well.

But the real question is: what does it take to be one of the winning few? Is it just the quality of writing or do other elements like the topic for the story competition have some weightage too?

We think and so do countless editors that the topic for the story writing competition definitely has a lot of relevance. The quality of writing matters but the choice of topic can make or break the winning entry.

{Check out this list of 40 Literary Magazines to Submit Short-stories, Non fiction and Poetry in India }

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Why Focus on the Topic for a Story Writing Competition?

Here’s why:

If you have ever scoured Twitter, where the lit mag twitterati resides, then you will know that many times editors post about the kind of stories they are looking for. For example, recently an editor from the acclaimed lit mag Cimarron Review had asked for fiction about characters with irrational fears where the story explores how they come to have it and what they did with it. Editors are human, and sometimes they have an affinity towards certain topics more than others. Just like we read certain genres at certain times and stages of life.
All Story Writing Competitions have judges. And judges have their own choices, likes, desires and authors they admire. Knowing more about the judges and what kind of writing they like, and how they themselves write helps in knowing what kind of topics they would enjoy reading.

{Check out this list of 22 Literary Magazines in Hindi – Publish Poetry, Short Stories, and Non-fiction Online }

12 Themes or Topics for Story Writing Competition

We have divided our list into three areas –

The Classics: which are evergreen topics of comparatively sombre theme. These topics always work for story-writing competitions because they deal directly with the human condition.
The Unusual: These are topics that you wouldn’t think could win these prizes, topics far from the spectrum of emotionality that we operate in, they are weird and at times can make us uncomfortable.
The In-Between: These are topics that probably aren’t very loaded in themselves, they are neither too familiar nor too weird. They are likely to not get a particular response of like and dislike from your editor. In fact, these are topics that can shine just through the power of your writing.

{You can submit your short stories to these 15 Contests and Awards for Short stories in India }

The Classics

Issues or Hardships in Marriage or Love

A topic for having a shot at a story writing competition that can be written with great variance and depth is the topic of an affair, love, relationship or marriage falling apart. One does not need to reach into the prize winners of yesteryears to impose the point that marriage or relationship is a great topic for a story writing competition because there is a range of short stories written by the masters of the short story – from Katherine Mansfield’s Bliss to John Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums.

Loss of Home/Identity in a New Land

A lot of literature in the past few decades has found its strength in writing about the loss of home. Probably, we as a generation are facing it so intensely for the first time in this unique way when globalisation, fast travel and many border crisis have reached their peak.

And so when we see a winning story such as ‘A Simple Animal’ by Pallavi Wagharkhar published in Iowa Review, we are not in a bit of shock. It captures many things such as modern dating, and grief but at heart talks of identity and home. Home in places, in people, in memory is a powerful thing. And a great idea as a topic for a story writing competition.

Familial Relationships

If you are good at finding patterns then reading the previous two topics for story writing competitions, you would have noticed that all these story topics relate to either intimate relationships or intimate spaces. So we thought this list is not complete without the larger umbrella of familial relationships as a good topic. Family, close or far, even friends for family is a powerful theme. Universal and conflict-prone, as readers we are always looking to understand our lives better through these stories and find the courage to do the hard work that familial relationships require. You could write about your aunt, your father’s estranged brother who you grew closer to as you aged, or the little five-year-old in your house and the searing questions they can ask.

The story that won The Paris Review’s 2021 Plimpton Prize for emerging writers took a similar path, even more so when it named itself ‘ Brothers and Sisters’. It was written by Chetna Maroo who is a British Indian author and currently her novel Western Lane is in line for the 2023 Booker.

Grief is powerful and the stories written from that place usually take the reader with them. It could be a story about the loss of a pet and how that takes over us so entirely, and no one tells us that losing a pet could be so hard. Grief does not depend on enormity, there are smaller griefs, daily griefs. It is a vast subject that does not even have to be a direct theme in itself or a direct topic for the story writing competition that you’re applying to. It can be used as a sub-theme to a larger story that you are writing. There are far too many good stories here.

Check out this story by Rowan Beaird called Perennial that won the Ploughshares Emerging Writers Content in 2017-18.

Motherhood/Child Loss/Infertility

Some of the most visceral stories ever written, stories that gut us and pierce our hearts and stay there for a good while are written on the topic of motherhood, on loss relating to it, or the relationship between mothers and their children. All of us have mothers and it might be safe to say that we have complex relationships with them which is why it is so universal. Having this as the topic for a story-writing competition and doing it the required justice will definitely enhance your chances of getting shortlisted.

Here is this winning story by Casey Gentry Quinn that won the second prize in the Masters’ Review 2022-23 Winter Short Story Award which was judged by Morgan Talty, author of the short story collection Night of the Living Rez. The story is about infertility and how that can affect couples but the setting is magnificent and otherworldly under full moons and whatnot. So different the setting is that it takes us to our next segment – The most Unusual topics for story writing competitions.

{Here’s How will beta reading improve your story? }

The Unusual

Commodification/Famous People/Fame

The winner of the Donald Barthelme Award for short fiction last year was a story that had us in stitches – of all sorts. It was funny surely, it was a beautiful cocktail of soothsaying and apocalyptical fiction concocted with a not-so-experimental form. This story was titled Taylor Swift and it was a searing commentary on what the world has done to her, and what the world does to its idols in general.

This story is so unusual that the judge Steve Almond himself said that he tried to resist prizing this entry with all his might. And so that’s the thing, you can write any story well if you know what you are doing and no idea is a bad idea when it comes to choosing a topic for a story writing competition.

A Thing or Object – Carmen Maria Egg

When choosing a topic for a story writing competition, sometimes you don’t have to look deeply within yourself, you don’t even have to look far, you can probably just open your fridge and look at the top shelf in the door area. You might find an egg there, and then you might think of writing a good, really good story around it. Perhaps that’s what the PEN and Lambda Literary award-winning author Carmen Maria Machado did when she wrote this story .

She wrote 15 observations around an egg and we think that just goes to show the range of emotions and ideas that everyday objects or things generate within us. In the same way, you would do good with reading The Mark On The Wall , where Virginia Woolf, one of the greatest writers of our times wonders about everything by looking at the mark on the wall. The story isn’t about that thing or object but through that thing or object.

A Bizarre Setting – rainmaking

In the shop of unusual topics for story writing competitions, you should definitely check out the item that is creating a mesmerizing and bizarre setting. A bizarre setting with similarly bizarre characters and a sense of the unknown are great themes for story-writing competitions. Judges are usually receptive when writers can deliver an entirely new sense of place.

I think a story that greatly does this is Rainmaking by Lindsay Drager which was published by the acclaimed litmag Conjunctions for its 80th issue.

{Brush up your knowledge of 17 Types of Creative Writing }

The In-Between

A Budding Friendship

A budding friendship is a sweet, tender theme that when done with skill allows the reader to experience and reminiscence the warmth of friendship. People get busy with their families or work and life goes on, and somehow friendships become a thing of the past. So it is definitely ranking high in our list of topics for story writing competitions compared to other things.

Coming-of-Age

Everyone is asking: Is Coming-of-Age done as a genre? Is it? Yet we see countless stories and novels where its characters are coming of age. So we don’t think it is done, because it too, is an evergreen topic.

The reason that this topic wields the power it does is because it captures the times the character is growing up in. For years and years, readers have read coming-of-age fiction because of its ability to tell us what is the nature of certain youth of our times. It captures the younger values, ideas and sensibilities of a place or time.

When writing for a competition, it is important to consider everything and topics are no less important. But keep in mind that the themes mentioned above are simply suggestions and the central idea is to find something that truly matters to you because that is what brings true depth to a work. The thing that really makes any topic and any idea come to life in a brilliant manner is the craft or skill of the writer. All the above-mentioned stories have one thing in common – they are extremely chiselled and every word used is intentional. Craft takes time and work. We have HWR have some craft-focused courses like Kritika Pandey’s Short Story Writing Workshop , the Creative Writing Course or the Writing Masterclass with Jerry Pinto .

2 Responses

Very informative and good guideline for writers beginning to write or for those that have been writing and need to chisel their art and style .

Thank You Trevor

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Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

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Writing Prompts & Exercises

The time is now.

The Time Is Now offers three new and original writing prompts each week to help you stay committed to your writing practice throughout the year. We also curate a list of essential books on writing —both the newly published and the classics—that we recommend for guidance and inspiration. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block, looking for a fresh topic, or just starting to write, our archive of writing prompts has what you need. Need a starter pack? Check out our Writing Prompts for Beginners.

Tuesdays: Poetry prompts Wednesdays: Fiction prompts Thursdays: Creative nonfiction prompts

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Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings, cream-colored ponies, crisp apple strudels, wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings. These are a few, mundane yet specific, favorite things the protagonist from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music sings about as an uplifting way to buoy the characters’ spirits in moments of sorrow and distress. This week write a series of short nonfiction vignettes, each one titled with one of your favorite things. Reflect on how each favorite originated, your memories associated with the items, and how they make you feel.

Penny-Pinching

“Most pennies produced by the U.S. Mint are given out as change but never spent; this creates an incessant demand for new pennies to replace them,” writes Caity Weaver in an article published in the New York Times Magazine about the wasteful production of pennies. “A conservative estimate holds that there are 240 billion pennies lying around the United States…enough to hand two pennies to every bewildered human born since the dawn of man.” Write a short story that imagines a different life for the copper-plated coin, perhaps a universe in which all dormant pennies are suddenly used or an attempt to collect and dispose of them is put into place. What would propel your characters to care about the worth of a penny?

The French expression, à la rentrée , literally means “at the return” and can be translated as “see you in the fall” to refer to the time of year when students return back to school after the summer break and vacationers return to the city and to work after out-of-town trips—a time to start anew feeling reenergized with a refreshed and rested perspective on everyday routines. Think about the projects, personal goals, or relationships that you’d like to approach with a fresh start this autumn season. To celebrate la rentrée , write a poem that revolves around a familiar relationship, duty, or obligation. How might it be approached from a different angle or seen in a new light?

All at Once

“The writing comes not with the then and then and then of narrative time driven by the hierarchy of information that plot demands, but with the and and and and and of parataxis. Everything is equal all together and all at once,” writes Jennifer Kabat in her debut memoir, The Eighth Moon: A Memoir of Belonging and Rebellion (Milkweed Editions, 2024), which combines the author’s musings on her relocation to the rural Catskills in New York with historical documents and research about the Anti-Rent War between tenant farmers and landowners that took place in the region in the early nineteenth century. Take a deep dive into a historical event that took place where you live and write an essay that attempts to bridge your own experiences and memories of your locale with the past. Inspired by Kabat, experiment with alternating back and forth through different time periods, point of view, and verb tense for a sense of simultaneity.

The Sound of Things

French director and screenwriter Tran Anh Hung’s Oscar-nominated film The Taste of Things , adapted from a 1924 novel by Swiss author Marcel Rouff, opens with a scene that takes place in the ground-floor kitchen of a late-nineteenth-century estate in France. The scene, which lasts for nearly forty minutes and contains little dialogue, consists primarily of shots of a chef and his cooks preparing a sumptuous feast as they maneuver around one another, handling and arranging various ingredients for each dish. The camera zooms in on the pots and pans, and precise sounds of sizzling, sauteing, crackling, rinsing, stirring, bubbling, and steaming are captured. Write a scene or portion of a short story that focuses in on the sounds of a particular room in your setting. When you subtract human voices, does a chronicle of meticulous details emerge?

List of the Lost

Can what was once lost still be found? The Search for Lost Birds, a global partnership between the American Bird Conservancy, Re:wild, and BirdLife International, was founded in 2021 to shed a light on species of birds that are deemed “lost,” meaning that there has been no documented evidence of them in over a decade, but that they may still exist. Researchers from the organization recently published a paper in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment citing over one hundred “lost” bird species with the majority in danger of extinction. Jot down a list of items that have been lost to you over the years, perhaps including both physical objects and intangible things, and compose a poem that incorporates your list. How might you play with the order of items, punctuation, line breaks, sound, and rhythm to express the experience of loss?

Friend or Foe

How do best pals become worst enemies? In the television fantasy drama series House of the Dragon , created by Ryan Condal and George R. R. Martin, childhood best friends Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower become mortal enemies, each at the head of a household vying for the power to rule the Seven Kingdoms. Compose a personal essay that ruminates on a complicated friendship or relationship you’ve had that has transformed significantly over time. Was there one catalyzing incident or many gradual shifts that caused your relationship to change direction? Consider the ways in which the relationship changed in parallel, or in contradiction, to how each of you have evolved as individuals.

The Act of Resistance

In the documentary Yintah , directors Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell, and Michael Toledano chronicle how Wet’suwet’en First Nation have been fighting to protect their unceded territory in northern British Columbia for decades, most recently in protests and blockades against pipeline developments. The film spanning more than a decade of conflict captures the spirit of Wet’suwet’en resistance in the face of Canadian government policies and police invasions, and their fight for the survival of the land itself. Write a short story that revolves around a group of people who are beset upon by unjust policies, and explore the values and priorities of each side. How do strengths, weaknesses, advantages, and disadvantages play out?

Cry About It

In the 1960s, a string of songs about crying hit the air waves, from Roy Orbison’s “Crying,” to “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons, to Lesley Gore’s song that begins with, “It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to.” Crying has carried on as a theme in popular songs throughout the decades with Prince’s 1984 ballad “When Doves Cry,” Aerosmith’s 1993 hit “Cryin’” and The Weeknd’s 2020 song “Save Your Tears.” This week, take a cue from tunes about shedding tears and write a poem that incorporates crying in some way, whether about sorrow or joy, letting the waterworks flow or attempting to hold them back. Consider using unique diction or imagery to put a fresh spin on conventional tropes. What can you say about crying that hasn’t been said before?

In Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind , published by W. W. Norton in June, author and journalist Annalee Newitz chronicles the ways storytelling can be wielded as a manipulative tool to further political agendas and steer cultural perspective, through advertising, influence campaigns, and mass media. In the first chapter Newitz discusses how Sigmund Freud’s theories help sell products: “Advertisers began to study psychology to figure out ways to manipulate the unconscious minds of consumers,” she writes. “They would lure consumers in with emotional appeals or by associating a product with some political ideal like freedom.” Write a personal essay about a time when you were persuaded by a narrative—whether it be a story told to you by a friend, foe, colleague, family member, or even an advertisement. Were you able to separate from your unconscious mind and gain a fuller perspective on the situation?

Tense Future

Is it science fiction or simply the state of advanced, contemporary science? Hiromi Kawakami’s latest novel, Under the Eye of the Big Bird , forthcoming from Soft Skull Press in September and translated from the Japanese by Asa Yoneda, takes place thousands of years in the future when humans are near extinction. Children are created in factories from the cells of animals including cows, dolphins, horses, and mice. Kawakami’s magical realism blends scientific advancements with real-life phenomena such as population aging, as well as the existing technologies of cloning and xenotransplantation. Using an idea or a concept derived from scientific studies or your own research, write a speculative fiction story that builds on existing technology to achieve the fantastic. In your invented future what fundamental issues of ethics, traditions, and mortality arise?

William Carlos Williams’s multi-volume, mid-twentieth-century poem Paterson is purportedly inspired by the works of his contemporaries: James Joyce’s Ulysses , Ezra Pound’s The Cantos , T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land , and Hart Crane’s The Bridge . Through his subject—the former mill town of Paterson, New Jersey—Williams provides a voice for American industrial communities. A launching pad for other artists’ work, the book inspired Jim Jarmusch’s 2016 film Paterson , about a bus driver and poet named Paterson in the city of the same name, and Robert Fitterman’s book Creve Coeur (Winter Editions, 2024), set in the segregated suburbs of his eponymous Missouri hometown—an illustration of contemporary America that mirrors the structure of Williams’s postwar epic. Write a poem that draws on specific observations of your neighborhood to express a wider perspective on life in the twenty-first century. Incorporate street names, local landmarks, and history as well as tidbits of everyday conversation.

Appearances

When you picture sea otters, you might think immediately of the many photos and videos of fuzzy otters holding hands while floating in the water, but do these images of cuddly creatures represent their true character? In a 2013 Slate article titled “Sea Otters Are Jerks. So Are Dolphins, Penguins, and Other Adorable Animals,” the violent behavior of these animals and their instinctive modes in the wild are described in detail and contradict the cute and cuddly depictions humans often project onto them. Write a personal essay that explores the theme of deceptive appearances, perhaps drawing on experiences you’ve had in which you misjudged someone and found your first impression contradicted other facts. Or you might think back to a time when someone else made assumptions about you based on superficial traits. What social conditions or cultural expectations contributed to those first impressions?

Convergence

In Michael Ondaatje’s 1992 Booker Prize–winning novel, The English Patient , four main characters—a young Canadian army nurse, an Indian Sikh working as a British military engineer, a thief, and the eponymous patient—find themselves at a bombed-out Italian villa toward the end of World War II. Through a convergence of sections that weave in and out of time, between the past and present, and told through the characters’ various points of view, the story comes into focus. Write a short story that takes place in a vivid locale where a small group of characters has converged. Experiment with telling the story from multiple perspectives, and alternating chronology. In Ondaatje’s novel, the nonlinear storytelling reflects the effects of war trauma—how might time in your story work on a thematic level?

Growing a Garden

“In colonial times, gardens were utilitarian. A cross between a grocery store and a pharmacy. In the gilded age, they became an entrance to high society, a place of conspicuous display,” narrates the main character in Paul Schrader’s 2022 film Master Gardener , a man with a secret past who works as the horticulturalist of an estate owned by a wealthy dowager. This week write a poem about a garden, perhaps a large and well-known one visited by tourists, a seasonal garden tended by family members that you frequented as a child, or one you pass occasionally on a neighborhood walk. You might explore the functions of the garden; list colors, shapes, textures, and smells; or make conjectures about its guiding aesthetics. What can a garden reveal about its gardener and the space in which it resides?

Intensity of Feeling

“When I say I have written from the beginning, I mean that all real writers write from the beginning, that the vocation, the obsession, is already there, and that the obsession derives from an intensity of feeling which normal life cannot accommodate,” said the late Irish author Edna O’Brien in a 1984 interview for the Paris Review ’s Art of Fiction series. O’Brien, who died last Saturday at the age of ninety-three, was the author of a series of novels beginning with The Country Girls , which were internationally acclaimed but banned in Ireland. Her work included memoirs, biographies, and plays, many of which revolved around intimate stories of women’s experiences of love and loss. Write a lyric essay that responds to O’Brien’s sentiment about being drawn to writing from “an intensity of feeling.” Does writing serve in some sense as an outlet for expressing something that seemingly can’t fit into the strictures of normal life?

In 1996, scientists created the first clone of a mammal, a sheep named Dolly. Since 2015, a company based in Texas called ViaGen Pets has cloned hundreds of dogs, cats, and horses for tens of thousands of dollars each. Scientists have warned of the ethical issues of cloning—both in the ways in which the process requires the use of multiple animals (an egg donor and a surrogate carrier), and in the precedence it sets for humans. Write a short story in which a cloned animal plays an integral role in a plot twist. Is the animal’s cloned history kept hidden for some reason? What made this animal so exceptional to be cloned? Consider the complexity and emotions involved with your characters’ values and ethics in this decision.

In Divya Victor’s poem “Blood / Soil,” which appears in her collection Curb (Nightboat Books, 2021), she writes about Sureshbhai Patel, a man who had traveled from India to visit his son and infant grandson in Alabama and was assaulted by police for alleged suspicious behavior while taking a neighborhood stroll. As she describes the physical encounter, Victor includes Newton’s laws of motion and experiments with the visuals of typography and spacing in her incorporation of quotations to draw attention to movement and a sense of confrontation between bodies and language. Write a poem inspired by a news incident that feels resonant to you and provokes a strong emotion. Consider adding bits of science, research, or reported dialogue that might help create a more expansive, interpretive angle.

Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Annie Baker, who made her feature film directorial debut with the coming-of-age drama Janet Planet , recently shared her inspirations for the film with the New York Times through a mood board. The artistic influences included fin-de-siècle painter Édouard Vuillard’s portraits of his mother; Maurice Pialat’s 1968 film about a foster child, L’enfance Nue ; literature by Thomas Mann and Rainer Maria Rilke; and an album by Canadian jazz musician Beverly Glenn-Copeland. Write a lyric essay composed of short descriptions of creative works—perhaps similarly spanning visual and performing arts, music, and literature—that have served as inspiration to you over the years. What is special about each one, and what are the elements that draw them together?

The Spirit of Competition

This week, in preparation for the upcoming opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, consider the Olympic creed: “The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well.” Write a short story that revolves around a competition of some sort—whether between friends, enemies, strangers, or within a liminal relationship of some kind. Decide between a contest of mental or physical abilities, or a battle of wills. Are there high stakes or is the contest seemingly inconsequential? Does all go as planned or is there a surprising upset? Think about your characters’ respective perspectives on the spirit of competition, and what constitutes as fighting fairly.

In the twentieth anniversary edition of Don’t Let Me Be Lonely: An American Lyric , Claudia Rankine writes in the preface about her use of the first-person voice “to bear witness to the witness” and provide emotion while maintaining an intimacy within the text. “Anybody could embody the first person and be our guide through the text,” writes Rankine. “For me, at the time, this was a liberating mechanism for getting at the ineffable affective disorder of the moment without disconnecting from the people affected by it.” Write a poem about an event currently unfolding in the world, either locally or on a global scale. Deploy the first-person “I” as a tool to guide the reader through what’s being witnessed. Are there multiple emotional truths at play? How can you give them shape?

Seeing Yourself

“I have known brilliant writers who could size people up in minutes with alarming accuracy.... And yet for all their ability to understand people, to see them, to capture them as characters, these writers could not see themselves,” writes Literary Hub editor-in-chief Jonny Diamond in a piece reflecting on a recent op-ed written by the daughter of Nobel laureate Alice Munro, Andrea Skinner, about her mother’s failure to protect her from sexual abuse by her stepfather. Write a personal essay that traces your self-awareness through several phases of your life, contemplating on how your understanding and perception of yourself has transformed through the years. Can you reconcile the differing points of view that various people in your life hold about you? Are there blind spots that, even if you can’t or don’t want to articulate, you wish to acknowledge?

Ghost Story

Ghosting, the social practice of suddenly cutting off communication without explanation by no longer accepting or responding to calls or messages, is often associated with dating but can also extend to other arenas of interpersonal communication and socializing, such as the interview process for a new job or with friends and family. Write a short story that revolves around two people, one of whom ghosts the other. What are the dynamics of communication that lead up to the ghosting, and what is the fallout? Are excuses made or is hindsight twenty-twenty? Consider how much of each party’s point of view to reveal prior to and after the ghosting.

States of Matter

In medieval European cathedrals, some of the panes of the beautiful stained glass windows are thicker at the bottom than at the top, creating misconceptions that the seemingly solid glass has melted over time. According to an article published in Scientific American , glass is an amorphous solid, a state that is neither solid nor liquid but something in between disproving the theory of melted glass. The differences in thickness of old glass windows is merely a product of the manufacturing process, giving them a melted look. This week write a poem inspired by the idea of something, or even someone, existing in an in-between state. Consider playing with the line breaks and white space of your page to mirror or contrast with your chosen subject.

Social Sacrifices

In “The Bear IRL: My Manic Day in a Michelin-Starred Kitchen,” Vice writer Nick Thompson visits a Michelin-starred restaurant in London for a day to capture a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes operations of a high-level kitchen, like the ones portrayed on the popular TV series The Bear . Thompson speaks to one chef who echoes the repercussions of sacrificing a social life that are depicted in the award-winning show, mentioning missing out on birthdays and special occasions because of long hours and weekend work schedules. “It’s more like a sports team, where you’re trying to achieve something. That’s what drives you forward,” says the chef. Write an essay about a time in your past when you had to make a sacrifice in your personal life because of your job. Was there a payoff? What were the factors that ultimately pushed you to choose your job over your social life?

About Our Writing Prompts

What is a writing prompt and how do you use one? Whether you find yourself in front of a blank page or stuck in a work-in-progress, writing prompts can offer a spark that ignites your creative thinking and can lead to new writing. Prompts offer guidance, fresh ideas, and direction for writers of all levels of experience. First, choose a prompt for the genre in which you’d like to write, then carefully read it and consider what it is asking you to think about. It could be a specific setting, a writing technique, or an element of an imagined character; a specific poem, story, essay, song, book, or film from which you might take inspiration; or a current event or a topical theme. A writing prompt is filled with endless possibilities—and there is no wrong way to use one to generate new writing!

What makes our writing prompts unique? We have an archive of over 2,000 prompts, all original and offered here and in our weekly newsletter . You’ll find a variety of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction prompts—some inspired by recent and classic literature and other forms of art, current events, and writing practices, and others that offer guidance for a particular form, including sonnets, erasure poetry, flash fiction, lyric essays, and more. For more than fifty years, Poets & Writers has supported creative writers with trustworthy information and inspiration, and our weekly prompts provide a regular dose of encouragement and motivation.

What are the benefits of using writing prompts? Writing prompts can help you get unstuck if you’re in a rut and the ideas aren’t flowing. But even if you’re not experiencing writer’s block, writing prompts can offer a fresh take or a new approach to a work-in-progress. Writing prompts can also provide the motivation to experiment with a new form, try out a new genre, or learn about other writing techniques. And writing prompts are an invaluable tool for teachers who want to encourage and inspire their writing students.

What is this list of Best Books? Best Books for Writers is a list of essential books for creative writers that we curate to support your writing practice. Every week, we add a book (whether new or a classic) with a synopsis and highlights. Included are books on the writing life, anthologies of craft essays, collections of lectures, practical guides with writing exercises, and more.

Poetry writing prompts Every Tuesday we post a new poetry prompt to guide you in your practice. Get to know the work of contemporary and classic poets, as well as a variety of poetic forms.

Fiction writing prompts Every Wednesday we post a new fiction prompt to spark your imagination. Take inspiration from recently published short stories and novels, and of course, the classics.

Creative nonfiction writing prompts Every Thursday we post a new creative nonfiction prompt to help your exploration of this ever-changing genre. These prompts include information and inspiration for a variety of essays as well as memoirs. Discover new writers and their craft, and fresh ways to generate writing inspired by your life.

Need a starter pack? Check out our Writing Prompts for Beginners .

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Looking for a Writing Contest to Enter?

By Hannah Yang

Writing contests can be a useful way to send your work out into the world. With a strong submission and a bit of luck, you can win publication, recognition, and even cash prizes.

This article will give you the inside scoop on the most high-quality writing contests to enter.

Are Writing Contests Worth Entering?

What are some writing contests that are free to enter, how can i increase my chances of winning, where can i find more writing contests.

Entering writing contests can be useful for several reasons:

They give you a deadline and often even a prompt to write about , which many writers find motivating
The results can help you get a sense of where you are on your writing journey and how you can improve your craft
Winning a contest can be a fantastic boost to your journey as a writer

On the other hand, it’s important to keep in mind that it takes a lot of luck to win a contest, since there are usually only a few winners chosen from among hundreds of strong contestants.

If your goal is to get your writing published, you’ll likely fare better by submitting to magazines and anthologies than by entering contests.

If your goal is to make money, you should prioritize freelance writing jobs instead.

With that being said, there are many incredible writing contests out there that can absolutely be worth your while, as long as you enter with realistic expectations.

Many writing contests cost fees to enter, since they give out cash prizes and hire guest judges that they need to pay for their time.

Charging an entry fee doesn’t necessarily mean the contest is a scam. It does mean, however, that you need to be judicious about which contests to submit your work to.

Free writing contests are more accessible to all writers, and there’s nothing to lose from giving them a shot.

We’ve compiled a list of legitimate, high-quality writing contests that charge no entry fees.

Prose Weekly Challenge

Prose, a social network for readers and writers, offers weekly challenges meant to spark your creativity. This is a fun, low-stakes challenge, with a small cash prize to sweeten the deal.

Prize: Each week’s winner receives $100. Guidelines: Submit a short piece of writing (up to 500 words) related to the weekly prompt. Deadline: Weekly.

Prime Number Magazine 53-Word Story Contest

Press 53’s Prime Number Magazine hosts a monthly micro-fiction contest based on a theme.

All stories must be exactly 53 words long. There’s no cash prize, but this can be a fun and low-stakes contest to participate in if you’ve got some spare time and are looking for a writing prompt.

Prize: Publication, a free book from Press 53. Guidelines: Submit a 53-word story based on a monthly prompt. Open to writers around the world who write in English. Deadline: Monthly on the 15th of each month.

Prime Number Magazine 53-Word Story Contest

Dinesh Allirajah Prize for Short Fiction

The Dinesh Allirajah Prize for Short Fiction is an annual short story contest co-hosted by Comma Press and the University of Central Lancashire.

If you live in the UK and are interested in crime stories, this is a great contest to consider, with a £500 for the winner and publication for the runners-up.

Prize: £500 ($692) for first place, and publication for 10 shortlisted authors. Guidelines: Submit a short story (between 2,000 and 6,000 words). The theme for the 2022 Prize is "Crime Stories." Only residents of the UK age 18 or older are eligible. Deadline: October 29, 2021.

Dinesh Allirajah Prize for Short Fiction

Commonwealth Short Fiction Prize

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual short fiction contest administered by the Commonwealth Foundation.

If you’re a short story writer and a citizen of a Commonwealth country, this contest is a fantastic option, with a generous £5,000 cash prize for the winner.

Prize: £5,000 ($6,922) for the overall winner and £2,500 ($3,461) for regional winners. Guidelines: Entrants must be citizens of a Commonwealth country and age 18 or over. Submit a short story (between 2,000 and 5,000 words). As well as English, stories are accepted in the Bengali, Chinese, French, Greek, Kiswahili, Malay, Portuguese, Samoan, Tamil, and Turkish languages. Translated entries from any language into English are also eligible. Deadline: November 1, 2021.

ServiceScape Short Story Award

ServiceScape is a platform that matches freelance writers, editors, and graphic designers with clients. They offer a yearly Short Story Award with a $1,000 prize.

Prize: $1,000 for first place and publication on the ServiceScape blog. Guidelines: Accepts original, unpublished work (5,000 words or fewer) in any genre, fiction or non-fiction. Writers must be age 18 or older. Deadline: November 29, 2021.

The Roswell Award

The Roswell Award is an annual science fiction contest with a $500 prize, co-presented by Sci-Fest L.A. and the Light Bringer Project.

This is a great option if you like using your writing to unite the worlds of science and art.

Prize: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. Guidelines: Submit a science fiction story. Open to writers around the world age 16 or older. Writers are encouraged to explore scientific, social, technological, environmental, and philosophical themes in their writing and always, at the core, to master the art of great storytelling. Deadline: December 21, 2021.

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest

The Writers of the Future Contest is the most enduring and influential contest in the history of science fiction and fantasy.

The contest is held once every three months, with a generous $1,000 prize.

Prize: $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place. Guidelines: Submissions must be short stories or novelettes (up to 17,000 words) in the genre of science fiction or fantasy. Open to new and amateur writers around the world. Deadline: Quarterly on December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30.

Find Out More

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest

Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award

The Jim Baen Memorial Short Story Award is an annual contest, co-hosted by the National Space Society and Baen Books, for stories about manned space exploration.

If you’re interested in the role that science fiction plays in advancing real science, this is a great option that pays professional rates.

Prize: Professional paying rates (8 cents per word). The winner’s story will be published as the featured story on the Baen Books main website. The winner will also receive free entry into 2020 International Space Development Conference and a prize package with various Baen Books and National Space Society merchandise. Guidelines: Submit a short story (up to 8,000 words) that shows the near future (no more than about 50-60 years out) of manned space exploration. The judges want to see moon bases, Mars colonies, orbital habitats, space elevators, asteroid mining, artificial intelligence, nano-technology, realistic spacecraft, heroics, sacrifice, and/or adventure. Open to writers around the world who write in English. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was February 1, 2021).

The Fountain Essay Contest

Fountain Magazine holds an annual contest for essays related to the personal challenges you’ve faced in your life.

Challenges can span from moving across the country and starting at a new high school or getting out of bed in the morning while undergoing depression. There are generous cash prizes for the winners.

Prize: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, $300 for third place, and $150 each for two honorable mentions. Guidelines: Submit a personal essay (between 1,500 and 2,500 words) on the annual theme. All writers worldwide are eligible. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was March 1, 2021).

The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize

Every year, The Alpine Fellowship awards writing, visual arts, and theater prizes related to an annual theme.

This is an extremely competitive fellowship, with global recognition for the winner and a whopping £10,000 first place prize.

Prize: £10,000 ($13,840) for first place, £3,000 ($4,150) for second place, and £2,000 ($2,770) for third place. Guidelines: Submit a piece of writing related to the annual theme (2021’s was "Untamed: On Wilderness and Civilization"). Entries must be unpublished and a maximum of 2,500 words. Poetry, prose, or non-academic essays welcome. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was April 1, 2021).

Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest

The Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest is a contest for humor poems. This is a really fun contest if you like wordplay and witticisms, and you might even win $2,000.

Prize: $2,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $100 each to 10 honorable mentions. Guidelines: Writers of all ages can submit an original, humorous poem with 250 lines or less. The poem you submit should be in English. Inspired gibberish is also accepted. Deadline: April 1, 2022.

Parsec Short Story Contest

Parsec Ink holds an annual contest for science fiction, fantasy, and horror short stories from non-professional writers, with a small cash prize for the winners.

Prize: $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place. Guidelines: Submit a short story (up to 3,500 words) based on the annual theme. The 2022 theme has not yet been announced. (The 2021 theme was "Still Waters, Deep Thoughts"). Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was April 15, 2021).

Bacopa Literary Review Contest

Bacopa Literary Review is an international journal published by the Writers Alliance of Gainesville. They hold an annual contest that welcomes fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

Prize: $300 for first place and $100 for second place in each of four genres: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, and Prose Poetry. Guidelines: Submit a piece of writing in one of the four genres. You can find detailed guidelines for each genre on the website. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was May 31, 2021).

Stony Brook Southampton Short Fiction Prize

The Stony Brook Southampton Short Fiction Prize is a short story contest specifically for college students.

If you’re an undergraduate and want to try a writing contest, this is a fantastic option because you have a smaller set of competitors.

Prize: $1,000, a scholarship to the 2021 Southampton Writers’ Conference, and consideration for publication in TSR: The Southampton Review . Guidelines: Only full-time undergraduates in United States and Canadian universities and colleges are eligible. Submissions must be short fiction (7,500 words or less). Deadline: June 1, 2022.

Stony Brook Southampton Short Fiction Prize

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group holds an annual contest for short stories based on a theme.

There’s no cash prize, but all winning stories are published in their anthology, and you can receive royalties from sales.

Prize: Winning stories will be edited and published, and authors will receive royalties from the anthology. Guidelines: Submit a short story (between 5,000 and 6,000 words) related to the annual theme. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was September 1, 2021).

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest

Hektoen Grand Prix Essay Contest

Hektoen International, an online journal dedicated to medical humanities, holds an annual contest for essays related to medicine, with a generous $5,000 cash prize.

Prize: $5,000 for the winner and $2,500 for the runner-up. Guidelines: Submit a short essay (up to 1,500 words) on any topic so long as it has a relation to medicine. The essay can include art, history, literature, education, and more. Writers must be age 18 or older. Deadline: TBD 2022 (the previous year’s deadline was September 15, 2021).

Owl Canyon Press Short Story Hackathon

Owl Canyon Press holds an annual “ hackathon ” for 20-paragraph stories, with a $1,000 prize.

The contest provides the first and last paragraph and the short story writer crafts the rest.

Prize: $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place. Publication in a short story anthology for 24 finalists. Guidelines: Writers are invited to create and submit a short story consisting of 20 paragraphs. The contest provides the 1st and 20th paragraphs, and the short story writer crafts the rest. There is no entry fee for submissions received during the first month of the contest. Deadline: TBD 2022 (last year’s deadline was September 30, 2020).

Transitions Abroad Expatriate and Work Abroad Writing Contest

The Transitions Abroad Writing Contest is an annual contest for essays related to your experience abroad. If you’ve ever lived and worked abroad, this is a great contest with a $500 cash prize.

Prize: $500 for first place, $150 for second place, $100 for third place, and $50 for all finalists. Guidelines: Submit a practical and inspiring essay or mini-guide (between 1,200 and 5,000 words) that provides in-depth descriptions of your experience moving, living, and working abroad (including any form of work such as teaching English, internships, volunteering, short-term jobs, etc.). The contest is open to writers from any location around the globe. Deadline: TBD 2022 (last year’s deadline was October 15, 2020).

Transitions Abroad Expatriate and Work Abroad Writing Contest

Writing Battle Summer Flash Fiction

Writing Battle is a quarterly contest where writers are assigned prompts and have 2 days to write 1000 words. You are guaranteed feedback from you writing peers, plus you can win some money

Prize: $5,000 split between the four winners and publication.

Guidelines: Accepts original, unpublished work that matches the prompts and genre assigned. Writers must be aged 18 or older.

Deadline: August 7, 2022

Atlas Shrugged Novel Essay Contest

The Atlas Shrugged novel essay contest is open to all students globally. Atlas Shrugged is a heroic mystery novel written by Ayn Rand. Choose a prompt and write a 800-1,600 word essay in English. First prize: $10,000; 3 second prizes: $2,000; 5 third prizes: $1,000; 25 finalists: $100; 50 semi-finalists: $50.

Prize: First prize: $10,000, 3 second prizes: $2,000, 5 third prizes: $1,000, 25 finalists: $100, 50 semi-finalists: $50.

Guidelines: Choose a prompt and write an 800–1,600 word essay in English. All students globally can apply.

Deadline: Annually on November 6

Each of these contests has different requirements. What works for one probably will not work for another.

But what will increase your chance in every contest is good grammar and a solid structure. This is where ProWritingAid can help.

We may not be able to write your story for you, but we can help you submit your best work.

ProWritingAid’s 25 reports provide personalized, in-depth feedback on everything from grammar and spelling to pacing, word choice, passive voice, and more.

There are many resources for writers that compile lists of writing contests. You should check these regularly, as different writing contests have different submission periods.

Some of my favorite resources include:

Poets & Writers
Winning Writers

With many writers’ sites, you can filter for free contests specifically, and you can also filter by the type of work you want to submit.

I usually check these sites once a season (fall, winter, spring, summer) to compile a list of the contests I want to submit to.

Do you have a favorite writing contest? Let us know in the comments.

FREE WEBINAR: How to Improve Your Chances of Winning the Debut Dagger , Nov 11, 2pm ET / 7pm UK

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We’ve invited Dea Parkin, Secretary of the Crime Writers’ Association, and Leigh Russell, Chair of the Debut Dagger judges, to come and share their insider information. Learn what the judges are looking for and how to give your story the best shot at winning.

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Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Hannah Yang

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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Excellent Writing Contests for Kids (and Other Ways To Get Published)

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I’ve been searching for writing contests for kids for my daughter and her friend. Many kids, like mine, want to write for an audience; they’d love to be published. This round-up of writing contests for kids and other opportunities might help give emerging writers their first chance at publication.

Let me also suggest that you temper your kids’ enthusiasm with a bit of reality. It’s a tricky thing because you don’t want to be a killjoy, but you also want your children to understand that good, award-winning writing is hard work and takes dedication. So if your child applies to a writing competition and gets rejected or doesn’t win any writing prize, encourage your kids to persevere and keep writing. (Feel free to share stories of authors such as Madeline L’Engle, J.K. Rowlings, and Dr. Seuss, who were rejected for publishing a lot.)

When you’re looking at these writing contests, suggest that kids read through the past winners or published pieces to get an idea of what the contest or publication is looking for in a writing piece.

Revision, of course, is essential. You can help by giving kids specific feedback on technique — revision tips here . If your child is writing a short story or children’s fiction piece, make sure their story has a story arc . And insist that they proofread a million times to be sure they’re not sending in something with errors! Check my NanNoWriMo for Kids post for more writing and revision tips.

All that being said, publishing can be a very motivational goal. Encourage your kids to write essays, short stories, poetry, and creative nonfiction and apply for opportunities like these. But remind your writers that failure only means that they haven’t been published YET.

Consider carefully writing contests with entry fees. I have mixed feelings about fees because sometimes they do pay for hiring judges but other times, I worry that it means the contest is simply a money-maker for them.

Best wishes!

**Check the comments for more contests.

Writing Contests for Kids

Roald Dahl’s ImaginormousChallenge ages: 5 – 12 Details: In this unique writing contest, kids submit story ideas in 100 words or less. The only judging criterion, in true Wonka style, is pure imagination. Five winners will get a Golden Ticket. See the website for all the prizes and opportunities.

Betty Award ages: 8 – 12 Details: Check the website for deadlines for their spring and fall writing contests. Cash prizes. $15 fee.

Funny Festive Fables ages: 7 – 13 In this writing contest, kids are asked to write a funny short story.

National Youth Foundation ages: grades K – 8 Details: It looks like you’ll be submitting a 20 to 30 page book with writing and art that incorporates the contest theme of anti-bullying.

Dandelion Press ages: all Get inspired by the illustration provided to write an original story.

Tadpole Press ages: all For writers of all ages, this is a 100-word writing contest in any genre. This contest offers cash prizes to winners.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards ages: 13+ The Scholastic Awards look for work in writing and art that demonstrates originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Teenagers can apply to 28 art and writing categories including flash fiction, critical essay, digital art, humor, novel writing, personal essay, poetry, short story, and ceramics. The Scholastic writing contest is highly competitive, so submit your best work!

Literary Magazines and Online Publications for Kids and Teens

These publications are looking for submissions. These are NOT contests.

Hutch Magazine: A Creativity Magazine by Kids for Kids ages: grades 1 to 8 Hutch publishes art and writing submissions around a theme that imparts positive values and promotes self-esteem. Check the website for the latest theme and parent consent and media release forms.

Story Monsters ages 17 and younger Story Monsters is seeking articles, essays, book reviews, poems, short stories, and drawings.

Kidz Corner ages 6 to 12 Submit art, letters, and other writing. Guidelines here .

Magic Dragon ages: 12 years and younger Submit art, stories, essays, and poetry.

Cricket ages: 9 – 14 Details: Cricket is a well-known children’s magazine . Enter fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing in this kids’ literary magazine. The magazine used to take submissions from young writers but now they’re offering other opportunities here: NewPages Writing Contests for Young Writers writing.

Stone Soup ages: 13 and YOUNGER Details: This magazine receives a lot of submissions, so read carefully what actually gets published for a better chance. It accepts stories, book reviews, and poems. $3 entry fee.

Elementia ages: not stated A literary arts magazine from a library, check back to see when submissions open for poetry, short stories, essays, comics, and artwork.

Skipping Stones ages: 7 to 17 Details: This publication has a multicultural focus for its writing opportunities for kids. Send in essays, interviews, poems, plays, or short stories. $5 fee. Winners are published in their autumn issue.

The Caterpillar ages: not stated Details: This is an Irish publication but accepts entries from anywhere in the world.

Guardian Angel Kids ages: up to age 14 Details: This is a literary magazine (ezine) for kids with submission themes here . If your work is accepted (articles, fiction, poetry), then the magazine will own it and will pay you for your work. Just be sure that if your writing is accepted, you don’t post it anywhere else since you will not own it anymore!

Chautauqua Young Voices ages: middle and high school Submissions can be in nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or flash.

Ember ages: 10 – 18 Details: This publication is searching for compelling poetry, short stories, flash fiction, and creative non-fiction that paint images with language. (THESE ARE NOT CONTESTS.)

Scholastic News Kids Press Corps ages: 10 – 14 Apply to be on a team of kid reporters from across the country and around the world covers “news for kids, by kids.” Kid writers who are ages 10–14 with a passion for telling great stories and discussing issues that matter most to kids are encouraged to apply in the spring for the following school year.

Bibliopunks ages 13 – 24 An online literary zine aimed at young adult writers. They are looking for writing in any genre.

Figment ages: 13+ Details: This is an online writing community meant to encourage teen writers to write and share their work. You can post your work and get feedback, as well as give feedback to other writers. Contests are posted throughout the year.

Cicada Magazine ages: 14+ Details: This magazine loves SF/fantasy and historical fiction as well as narrative nonfiction about teen topics.

Teen Ink ages: 13+ Details: This is an online writing community with a wealth of opportunities for young writers.

Canvas Literary Journal ages: 13 – 18 Canvas Teen Literary Journal is a quarterly journal that publishes the work of teen writers which are read and rated by a board of teen editors. If they’re not accepting submissions, follow them on social media to find out when submissions will open again.

Highlights Magazine ages: ages 16+ Details: This magazine publishes kids’ writing and will publish: drawings, poems, jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, stories, science questions, and book reviews. At the time of publication, they are closed to submissions.

I've been searching for writing contests for kids for my daughter and her friend. Many kids, like mine, want to write for an audience; they'd love to be published. This round-up of writing contests for kids and other opportunities might help give emerging writers their first chance at publication.

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Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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44 Comments

I work with Story Studio (a Victoria-based charity in Canada), and we host a themed monthly writing contest for kids aged 5-13 🙂 For April 2024, we’re hosting a special climate fiction writing contest for young authors aged 9-17. You can find details for our writing contests here: https://www.storystudio.ca/write/ Happy writing! Monika

IndigoTeen Magazine is a literary periodical created for teenagers and by teenagers. It features the most successful text and imagery submissions from children and young people from 13 to 19 years old: short stories, essays, and novellas, memes, and comics, fan fiction and poetry, graphic design and artwork. It’s a collection of literary pieces that reflects the world of modern teenagers. Are you a teen who loves English? Do you want to test your illustrator’s skills or other visual art talents? Let your mind shine bright and be enjoyed! We are eager to hear from you and let your creation be part of our magazine. https://indigohub.net.au/indigoteen

Some of these contests aren’t taking any submissions which sucks

Is there a graphic novel contest?

Not that I know of.

Are these competitions open to kids from other countries? My daughter loves to write and we are based in India

I think some are but you’ll have to check the rules for each one to know for sure. Good luck!

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2024 SEP Writing Contests

NEW ARTICLES , Writing Contests

🔴New Listing | ⭐New Added after mailout. | no link- not accepting

MIXED GENRE 🔴

Your subtitle goes here, authors publish.

31 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for August 2024. These are themed calls and contests for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Some call themes are: fairy tales; harbinger; vacations; Little Red Flags – Stories of Cults, Cons, and Control; creature features; tumbleweed; secrets of the snow globe; vampires; and Achilles. Some deadlines are approaching quickly. https://authorspublish.com/storm-publishing-accepting-manuscript-submissions/

A WARM MUG OF COZY

Do you like writing short cozy mysteries? If so, we would love to invite you to submit your work for potential inclusion in our second Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology. Our submission period for Volume 3 will start soon. To be kept in the know, please sign up for our newsletter.. Who can participate: Anyone at least 17 years of age, including emerging authors and never-published writers. Scroll below award to view details. https://warmmugofcozy.com/anthology-submission/

ALMOND PRESS

Welcome to the most comprehensive list of writing competitions available online. Our list includes short story, poetry, and flash fiction competitions, as well as some events for essay writers, screenwriting, and even entire novel manuscripts. Each item on our list includes basic information about max word count, entry fees, submission deadlines, and the first place prize. Please do your own research before deciding to enter any event. In case of questions about a particular event, please reach out to the event organizer. Scroll down the list for 2024 events. https://dystopianstories.com/writing-competitions-contests/

ASSOCIATION OF WRTERS & WRITING PROGRAMS

AWP Awaard Series – The AWP Award Series is an annual competition for the publication of excellent new book-length works. The prizes are supported by the AWP Award Series Endowments. The competition is open to all authors writing in English regardless of nationality or residence and is available to published and unpublished authors alike. Entries for the 2024 competition may be submitted from January 1–February 28, 2024. We no longer accept submissions by post. https://www.awpwriter.org/contests/awp_award_series_overview
AWP Prize for Undergrad Lit Mag s – Formerly the National Program Directors’ Prize, the AWP Prize for Undergrad Lit Mags is awarded annually to one outstanding undergraduate-led journal and two runners-up. The prize celebrates the work of undergraduate student writers and editors, including exceptional content, cohesive design, and innovation. https://www.awpwriter.org/contests/awp_prize_for_undergrad_lit_mags
George Garrett Award – Contemporary literature and AWP have benefited from the efforts of many teachers, writers, editors, and administrators who have done their utmost to help the next generation of writers find their way as artists and as literary professionals. In bestowing the annual George Garrett Award for Outstanding Community Service in Literature, AWP recognizes a few of those individuals who have made notable donations of care, time, labor, and money to support writers and their literary accomplishments. https://www.awpwriter.org/contests/george_garrett_award_overview
AWP Intro Journals Project – The AWP Intro Journals Project is a literary competition for the discovery and publication of the best new works by students currently enrolled in AWP member programs. Program directors are invited to nominate student work, and winners are selected for publication in participating literary journals. The 2024 journals are Colorado Review, Hayden’s Ferry Review, Iron Horse Literary Review, Mid-American Review, Puerto del Sol, Quarterly West, Reed Magazine, and Tampa Review. https://www.awpwriter.org/contests/intro_journals_project_overview
AWP Small Press Publisher Award – AWP’s Small Press Publisher Award is an annual prize for nonprofit presses and literary journals that recognizes the important role such organizations play in publishing creative works and introducing new authors to the reading public. The award acknowledges the hard work, creativity, and innovation of these presses and journals, and honors their contributions to the literary landscape through their publication of consistently excellent work. https://www.awpwriter.org/contests/small_press_publisher_award_overview
https://www.awpwriter.org/

AUTUMN HOUSE PRESS

2025 Autumn House Rising Writer Prize Is Now Open – The submission period closes on November 15, 2024 (Eastern Time). We will announce the contest’s finalists and the winner by March 15, 2025. The winner will receive book publication, a $1,000 honorarium, and a $1,000 travel/publicity grant to promote their book https://www.autumnhouse.org/submissions/rising-writers-prize

BAEN BOOKS PUBLISHING

What it is: Baen Books has been publishing science fiction and fantasy for decades. The Writer’s Center says: If you’re looking for a science fiction/fantasy small publisher that does it all—hardcover, paperback, and ebook—Baen is for you. https://www.baen.com/contests

BECOME A WRITER TODAY

Contests: https://becomeawritertoday.com/writing-contests/ Writing Jobs: Information available on Calendar https://becomeawritertoday.com/writing-jobs/

BOOK PIPELINE

The 2024 Book Pipeline: Unpublished contest is exclusively for unpublished manuscripts across six categories of fiction and nonfiction: Literary Mystery / Thriller, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Nonfiction Deadline SEP 5, 2024 https://bookpipeline.com/shop/unpublished-contest

Booksie is a free online writing site that provides the tools for writers to publish their work and connect with readers from across the world. You can post poems, short stories, books, articles and more. Over the past ten years, tens of thousands of writers have posted hundreds of thousands of short stories, novel, poems, articles and more. Tens of millions of readers have gained access to some of the best up-and-coming writing talent and supported writers who have gone on to become best-sellers. Join Booksie and tell your story. 2024 contests. https://www.booksie.com/writing-contests

BOULEVARD MAGAZINE

Boulevard strives to publish only the finest in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. While we frequently publish writers with previous credits, we are very interested in less experienced or unpublished writers with exceptional promise. If you have practiced your craft and your work is the best it can be, send it to Boulevard. Nonfiction contest for Emerging Writers deadline Oct 1, 2024 – scroll to bottom of page. https://boulevard.submittable.com/submit

BRIDGEPORT PRIZE

We are committed to discovering and championing new writers in poetry, short story, flash fiction, novel and memoir. Our alumni read like a Who’s Who of the literary world: Kate Atkinson MBE, Gail Honeyman and Kit de Waal. Judges have included Roger McGough, Monica Ali and Zoe Heller. Our patron is Fay Weldon. Trust us with your words and it really could be your name up here next year. Submission Guidelines: https://thebridportprize.submittable.com/submit Poetry, Short Story, Novel Award, Memoir Award, Flash Fiction Categories List: https://bridportprize.org.uk/the-competition/

CANADIAN AUTHORS

Do you feel you’ve written the next great Canadian short story, novel, or poem? We have compiled a list of writing contests open to Canadians that include fiction and non-fiction contests, short story contests, and poetry contests. Our listing of writing competitions appear in order of deadline dates and, because there are hundreds upon hundreds of contests, we have separated them by month. Please remember to check out the details for all writing competitions at the websites provided — most sites have additional information, including submission guidelines and rules. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of competitions — we can only include those we are aware of. 2024 Contests listed by month : ALL CONTESTS: https://canadianauthors.org/national/links/awards-competitions/ AUGUST 2024: https://canadianauthors.org/national/links/awards-competitions/contests-competitions-august-deadlines/

CHANTICLEER INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS 2022

Fiction Genere Divisions • Fiction Genere • Multiple Non-Fiction Divisions – A large list of contests for 2034-2025 by various genre. https://www.chantireviews.com/contests/

Inspired by the mission and role of the town common, an egalitarian gathering place, The Common aims to foster the global exchange of diverse ideas and experiences. As such, we welcome and encourage submissions from writers who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, LGBTQIA+-identifying, immigrant, international, and/or otherwise from communities underrepresented in U.S. literary magazines and journals. We seek stories, essays, poems, and dispatches that embody a strong sense of place: pieces in which the setting is crucial to character, narrative, mood, and language. We receive many submissions about traveling in foreign countries and discourage writers from submitting conventional travelogues in which narrators report on experiences abroad without reflecting on larger themes. READING PERIODS STORIES, ESSAYS and POETRY: March 1-June1, September 1 – December 1, Subscribers may submit all year-round for free. https://www.thecommononline.org/submit/

COMPETITIONS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD

2024 A list of available writing contest for all genre. https://intercompetition.com/writing

CREATIVE WRITING CONTESTS

Name: Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition 2024 Country: UK (open to entries worldwide) Closing date: November 15th, 2024 at 4pm (GMT) Results announced by December 15th, 2024 – 1st prize: £1000, a free creative writing course of the winners choice and publication on our website. Runners-up: £200 each. Entry fee: £9 Word count: 3000 words maximum. Open theme/subject/genre https://creativewritingink.co.uk/creative-writing-ink-short-story-competition-2024/

EMBARK JOURNAL

We accept submissions year-round. Those received by September 1, 2024, will be considered for our twenty-first issue, which will be released in October 2024.issions year-round. Those received by March 1, 2024, will be considered for our twentieth issue, which will be released in April 2024. https://embarkliteraryjournal.com/submissions/

EXPOSITION REVIEW

Mark your calendars – on June 4, our next round of Flash 405 will open for submissions! Our Flash 405 writing contest is a celebration of short-form narratives, accepting work in multiple genres, from prose to poetry to hybrid and experimental forms. This round, we are looking for flash work inspired by the theme “Persona.” The theme was chosen by Expo Associate Editor Madeline Grimm, who will be serving as judge for our June contest. https://expositionreview.com/2024/05/call-for-entries-flash-405-june-2024-persona/

Several contests listed – scroll for details and deadlines https://www.fanstory.com/contestsall.jsp

FLORIDA WRITERS ASSOCIATION

Writing Contests – The Florida Writers Association offers two writing contests annually: Collection and Royal Palm Literary Awards. Both contests open to submissions on February 1 and close on April 30. You must be an FWA member to enter. Not a member? Join here!. Both cross broad areas of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, and both are open to adults and youth who are judged separately. https://www.floridawriters.org/writing-contests

FREE YOUR PEN

2024 Writing Competitions. These competitions are for unpublished or self-published novels and novellas for international writers, plus a few for UK or US residents only. It’s a long list and accurate as far as possible, updated monthly, so bookmark this page. I can’t vouch for all these comps personally, but if you have experience of them, let us know in the comments. https://jesdavidson.wordpress.com/2021/01/30/novel-writing-competitions-list/

FREEDOM WITH WRITING

Check out their Lastest listings page for various types of contests and Calls for Submission. Magazines, Anthologies, Editors looking for pitches, Remote Jobs, Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and more. https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/

For our print magazine, we accept short fiction, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry—regardless of genre, style, or origin. To get an idea of the kind of work we look for and the ethos behind what we do, please check out this page from our editors detailing what we look for in our submissions and this CLMP Member Spotlight article. And please note that we strongly encourage you to check out a past issue of F(r)iction, available in our shop. Submissions are accepted year-round. https://frictionlit.org/about/submit/

FUNDS FOR WRITERS

2024 Writing contests provide steps up for a writer – especially a struggling writer. A portfolio that contains contest wins means more than many clips. Can’t afford the entry fees? Consider entering one contest a quarter or something more amiable to your pocketbook. A few are free. Contests provide prizes, prestige and usually publication with many offering book contracts. Denouncing contests from your writing repertoire is like discounting an entire genre or refusing to eat yellow vegetables. You’re giving up something valuable that may serve you and your career well. Variety of Genres. https://fundsforwriters.com/contests/

GLOBAL SOUP

The next free Update: The next free 7 Day Story Writing Challenge will begin on 26th Feb. But before that, why not try our… 2024 PRIMAL FEARS HORROR SHORT STORY CHALLENGE now open. WE WILL ACCEPT ALL KINDS OF HORROR STORIES FOR THIS CHALLENGE, FROM THE SLIGHTLY CHILLING TO THE OUTRIGHT HORRIFYING. PRIZE: £1,000 – DEADLINE: 23:59 (UK time) 19th Feb, 2024 Words: 5,000 (max) https://www.globesoup.net/horror-short-story-challenge-2024

https://www.globesoup.net/writing-competitions Free Editing Checklist download.

HARLEQUIN ROMANCE

Harlequin is looking or story submissions from debut romance writers in underrepresented communities for a chance to have your debut novel published.

Love Inspired Suspense is actively seeking submissions! Check out our editors’ wishlist. If you have a contemporary inspirational romantic suspense of about 55,000 words, we invite you to submit.
Harlequin Romance is actively seeking contemporary romance submissions of 50,000 words! If you have a story idea or romance novel you think would be a good fit, we’d love to see it.
Our editors are acquiring stories for a new romance line coming to Harlequin – Afterglow Books! Aimed at a broad readership, including the under-35 romance reader, we’re looking for spicy romances grounded in relatable character journeys. Everyone deserves a love story that’s true to who they are.
Harlequin is also looking to publsih more romance stories by authors in underrepresented communities . https://www.writeforharlequin.com/submission-calls/

INDIANA WRITERS

Several opportunities for writers listed for May 2024 https://www.indianawriters.org/blogs/news/opportunities-for-writers-april-2024-2/

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

2024 A listing of competitions around the world. https://intercompetition.com/writing

KENYON REVIEW

2024 The Short Fiction Contest. The contest is open to all writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. Submissions must be 3000 words or fewer. The final judge will be acclaimed author Danielle Evans. The Review will publish the winning short story, and the author will be awarded a scholarship to attend the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop. Additional info on the Writers Workshops is available here. We plan to continue running the contest annually from November 1 through November 30. CHECK THE MAIN MENU FOR VARIOUS CONTESTS. https://kenyonreview.org/submit/

KOTOBEE BLOG

2024 Anyone who has participated in writing events before–such as NaNoWriMo –knows how effective it can be to write against the clock, and that’s where writing contests come in! These contests can be a great way to develop your skills, challenge yourself against other writers, and, above all else, win an award for your work! Select Genre and Month. https://blog.kotobee.com/writing-contests-2024/

MACMILLIAN PUBLISHERS

2024 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America Best First Novel Competition –Rules for the 2024 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition, Only electronic submissions, uploaded through this entry form, will be considered; do not mail or e-mail manuscript submissions to Minotaur Books. To be considered for the 2025 competition, all submissions must be received by 11:59pm EST on December 15th, 2024. Contact: https://us.macmillan.com/minotaurbooks/writing-competitions. https://us.macmillan.com/minotaurbooks/submit-manuscript/

Agents Seeking Submissions https://medium.com/curiosity-never-killed-the-writer/9-new-agents-seeking-memoirs-kidlit-romance-sff-nonfiction-and-more-4a6284fb47e6 11 Dark Fiction and Horror Publications Open for Submissions NOW — Paying markets https://curiosityneverkilledthewriter.com/11-dark-fiction-and-horror-publications-open-for-submissions-now-paying-markets-67582048ccd9

NEW PAGES BLOG

NewPages is the Portal of Independents! Founded in the early 1970s as a print publication, NewPages provides online news, information, and guides to literary magazines, independent and university publishers, graduate and undergraduate creative writing programs, independent bookstores, alternative periodicals and newsweeklies, writing conferences and events, and more. A variety of completions listed. Use the filters to narrow down to search. https://www.newpages.com/submission-opportunities/writing-contests/

NOTHING IN THE RULE BOOK

For this quarter’s free writing contest, we want your best flash fiction on the theme “Back to Life”. This is an opportunity to prove your work, and the winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and have their story published to the School of Kingdom Writers website. We’re giving you a little more breathing room this time. The maximum word count for this contest is 1,500 words. Short stories of all types, genres, and styles are welcome, but it should be narrative in nature (a story, not poetry, lyrics, etc.) https://nothingintherulebook.com/media-submit-your-work/media-submit-your-work/

THE NOVEL FACTORY

Many of these novel writing competitions are very prestigious, and highly likely to lead to agent representation and / or publication. We have not included any competitions that do not present a satisfactory level of credibility and authority. https://www.novel-software.com/novel-writing-competitions/

THE NOVELRY

Writing contests are a great way to practice your skills, hone your craft and get your name out there among fellow fiction writers. They’re also fantastic opportunities for those working in creative nonfiction, poetry, scripts and sometimes even hybrid writing or multimedia projects. https://www.thenovelry.com/blog/writing-competitions-2023#strongwriting-competitions-2024strong

NYC MIDNIGHT

🔴The Ryming Story Challenge Deadline SEP 20, 2024 https://www.nycmidnight.com/rhyme
🔴250 Word Microfiction Challenge – kicks off NOV 2824 https://www.nycmidnight.com/250

2024 Free-entry International Writing Contests The listed competitions are open to individuals, worldwide, or are restricted to a specific region. They may be targeted to individuals from the age of 18 (or 16) and above, or to those who haven’t attained the legal age (from 17 and below). https://owlcation.com/humanities/Free-International-Fiction-and-Non-Fiction-Entry-Contests

Not yet updated to 2024, Writing competitions give poets and writers a great opportunity to hone their skills. Along with exciting prizes, they offer a wide variety of themes and challenges to help you write in newer, bolder ways. At PaperTrue, we’ve always believed that writing competitions are more than just about winning. It’s a community experience where you can interact with fellow participants and learn from each other’s work. After all, a supportive network is extremely important to all poets and writers who want to make a career out of writing. https://www.papertrue.com/blog/writing-contests-2024/

PENCRAFT AWARD

PenCraft Book Awards is $500 cash. Two other cash prizes of $200 will also be awarded – one for best fiction and best nonfiction. Plus, each major winner receives a personalized award certificate and a high-resolution digital version of their PenCraft Book Award’s seal for their book or other marketing materials, as well as a web-optimized graphic version of the seal for websites, blogs, and social networking sites. A special national press release will be published about the top three winners. https://www.pencraftaward.com/authors-support/contest-entry-form/

POETS & WRITERS

2024 Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere. Large database, sortable. https://www.pw.org/grants

PUBLISH DRIVE

Free and paid19 writing contests for 2024. Scroll down and check them out. Unfortunately they don’t put the deadlines on the blurbs. Winning the competition is going to get your writing published. That is to say, it grants you a meeting with prospective readers, supports you in gathering momentum, and it is up to you how that opportunity is magnified. https://publishdrive.com/free-and-paid-writing-contests.html

PUBLISHERS ARCHIEVE

Find a publisher looking for authors. https://publishersarchive.com/

PUBLISHING… AND OTHER FORMS OF INSANITY

This January there are more than three dozen writing contests calling for every genre and form, from poetry, to creative nonfiction, to completed novels. Prizes range from $100,000 to publication. None charge entry fees. Publishers Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts: Agents Seeking Clients: https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/p/agents.html Writing Contests https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/p/free-contests.html https://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/p/calls-for-submissions.html

PURE IN HEART STORIES

Pure in Heart Stories is a literary and art magazine for families, with a Christian worldview. Here you can find short stories, poetry, photography and art by adults, teens, and children—for readers 6 years old and beyond. Check submission guides for deadlines and publication dates. https://pureinheartstories.com/submissions/?fbclid=IwAR3_junzhFSXTwKnF995OXK9Zmt1g1ih_83lSnMwwrsIS0aza-EYfEiuYKU

REEDSY BEST WRITING CONTESTS

2024 Several contests listed keep scrolling. Use the search option to find the most recent contests, and deadlines. https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

SAN FRANCISCO WRITERS

The 2024 Writing Contest opens on Feb.19th. The contest submission window is from February 19 – June 30, 2024. The entry form is here. The entry fee is $35 per entry and includes a copy of the 2024 SFWC Writing Contest Anthology that will feature the winning work. Entries must fit into one of the following categories: https://www.sfwriters.org/2024-writing-contest-overview/

SEJONG CULTURAL SOCIETY

https://sejongculturalsociety.org/writing/current/index.php

SMART BLOGGER

Listings for 2024. So you want to compete in writing contests for prizes and recognition? Writing contests are a fun way to evolve your writing skills — and, yes, cash prizes are a nice bonus. But remember, the emphasis is on fun. If cash is your primary goal, you should focus your time and energy on landing freelance writing jobs. FREE CONTESTS https://smartblogger.com/writing-contests/#free-writing-contests CONTESTS WITH FEES https://smartblogger.com/writing-contests/#writing-contests-with-fees

SOLSTICE A MAGAZINE OF DIVERSE VOICES

Solstice: A Magazine of Diverse Voices, is currently open for general submissions in all categories. Our guidelines are below. Suspending submissions please check in a few weeks. https://solsticelitmag.submittable.com/submit

2024 How to Submit Creative Writing and Art to Stone Soup. Stone Soup welcomes submissions from around the world by writers and artists ages 13 and younger. CONTESTS: https://stonesoup.com/contests/ Submissions:: https://stonesoup.com/how-to-submit-writing-and-art-to-stone-soup/

We publish personal essays, short stories, poems, and black-and-white photography in print and online in our monthly magazine. We’re looking for narrative writing and evocative photography from all over the world. Send us work that maps the human landscape, where the light catches on the faintest joy, where darkness sometimes threatens to overwhelm, and where ✗ never marks the spot because the truth is never so simple. Essays, Fiction, Poetry https://www.thesunmagazine.org/submit/essays-fiction-poetry

TADPOLE PRESS

Amber Byers is an award-winning author and head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest. As the founder and CEO of Tadpole Press, Amber delights in celebrating creativity and connecting with a worldwide community of writers. 100 Word Writing Contest SUBMISSIONS CLOSED. All Contests: https://www.tadpolepress.com/contest

WAXING AND WANING

Submissions open year-round – 1 online / 1 print release per year – Simultaneous submissions accepted (please let us know, however) – Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, & Short Films submissions $5 – Screenplays/Plays submissions $7 – Graphic Stories submissions $3 – Art submissions FREE- All submissions must be in proper manuscript format https://www.waxingandwaning.org/submit/

WEEKEND NOTES

2024. If you write short stories then you are a writer. Competitions are a great way to move from being a writer to being a published writer. I read once that there are more than 3,000 writing competitions offered across the world every year. Enter something you’ve already written or pen something new over the Christmas holidays. The following listings are summaries only and it is imperative that you always check the rules and terms and conditions on the competition website to ensure both you and your story are eligible to enter. For example most competitions exclude previously published or awarded stories and some have regional or age limits. https://www.weekendnotes.com/adelaide/competitions/

WINNING WRITERS

2024. Poetry, Fiction & Essay, and Self Published Book contests Deadlines vary. https://winningwriters.com/our-contests

WILLIAM FAULKNER LITERARY COMPETITION

William Faulkner was born on September 25, 1897, on Jefferson Street in New Albany, Mississippi. Some of his notable awards were the 1949 Nobel Prize for Literature, the 1955 and 1963 Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction and the 1951 and 1955 National Book Awards. Recognizing the significance of being the birthplace of one of the most celebrated writers in American Literature generally and Southern Literature specifically, we are proud to provide the William Faulkner Literary contest for aspiring writers. Deadlines vary: July 2024 https://williamfaulknerliterarycompetition.com/about/ Contest info: https://williamfaulknerliterarycompetition.com/

WISCONSIN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, ARTS & LETTERS

Deadline March 2024 . The Wisconsin People & Ideas Fiction Contest. First-place winners in the Wisconsin People & Ideas Fiction Contest will receive a one-week artist residency at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts in Mineral Point. Winners will receive $500 (first place), $250 (second place), and $100 (third place) and read their work at the 2023 Wisconsin Book Festival. First- through third-place winning stories will also be published in print and online issues of Wisconsin People & Ideas magazine. First-place winners in the Wisconsin People & Ideas Fiction Contest will receive a one-week artist residency at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts in Mineral Point. Submissions: https://www.wisconsinacademy.org/magazine/submissions Contests open 1/15/20024 : https://www.wisconsinacademy.org/content/writing-contests

WRITE OR DIE MAGAZINE

Currently open for essays and interviews. Fiction submissions are closed. https://www.chillsubs.com/writeordie/submission-guidelines

WRITE THE WORLD

A list of upcoming competitions. Scroll to the bottom for the latest and upcoming. https://writetheworld.org/#/competitions

THE WRITER MAGAZINE

Dear Readers: Jazztimes, Birdwatching, The Writer, and Diabetes Self-Management will be on hiatus until 2024 as we continue to transition these titles to streaming on The BeBop Television Network. You may enjoy available issues through digital download and Video On Demand below. https://www.writermag.com/contests/

THE WRITERS COLLEGE

2024 If you are looking to take your writing to the next level, then entering a writing competition often provides that extra impetus to refine your work. This is by no means a full list of competitions. Some writing competitions require an entry fee. Others don’t. This seems to be the norm these days and there are credible competitions that require an entry fee. Always check that you are comfortable with sending money to the organizers if this is the case. Click on More details here (link almost the same color as text) Scroll down for current contests https://www.thewriterscollege.com/short-story-writing-competitions

WRITER’S DIGEST

(must join to see all posts) Writers Digest is also running a contest for self-published authors in a variety of genres. Submissions accepted until April 4th All contests: https://www.writersdigest.com/wd-competitions Annual Competitions: https://www.writersdigest.com/wd-competitions/annual-competition

WRITERS OF THE FUTURE

ENTER THE WRITER CONTEST – 4th Quarter 2024 Deadline: September 30, 2024 https://writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/

WRITERS-EDITORS.COM

2024 A variety of contests and genres https://www.writers-editors.com/Writers/Contests/contests.htm

WRITING COMPLETIONS.NET

2024 Several contests, mixed genre, by various sponsors https://writingcompetitions.net/

WRITING CONTESTS.WORDPRESS.COM

2024 Listings updated regularly. Scroll to CATEGORY in the left menu bar and then use the drop-down to select your category. There is a really long list of categories. https://writingcontests.wordpress.com/

WRITING COMPETITIONS.net

2024 All the top writing contests.. A large list of writing contests. https://writingcompetitions.net/

WRITING DISTRICT

2024 Various contests listed. Scroll the page. https://thewritingdistrict.com/contests/

WRITING WORKSHOPS

https://writingworkshops.com/

YORICK RADIO PRODUCTIONS

Prose Fiction and Non-Fiction (4000 word limit) Flash fiction (1000 word limit) Poetry (up to 6 Poems of no more than 6 pages) Radio Play Scripts (20 pages) https://yorickradioproductions.com/submissions/

ADVENTURE WRITERS COMPETITION

Get ready to enter the 2025 AWC January 1 through April 30, 2025. https://adventurewriterscompetition.com/

CLEAR WATER PRESS

Student Novel Contest Deadline: 11:59 p.m. CDT, August 15, 2024 Every year, we run a free novel contest for our students. Any One Year Adventure Novel student under 20 who has a valid curriculum license and who finishes a novel that meets the course requirements can submit. We don’t obligate students to enter, but writing contests for teens are great way for young writers to start sharing their writing with others—and stay motivated to finish their novel! We post every novel entry on the student forum for other students to read (unless the student requests to be omitted). https://clearwaterpress.com/oneyearnovel/events/young-writers-novel-contest/

Novel Writing Competitions List FOR 2024. These competitions are for unpublished or self-published novels and novellas for international writers, plus a few for UK or US residents only. It’s a long list and accurate as far as possible, updated monthly, so bookmark this page! I can’t vouch for all these comps personally, but if you have experience of them, let us know in the comments. https://jesdavidson.wordpress.com/2021/01/30/novel-writing-competitions-list/

NCTE – NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH

Now accepting submissions for Promising You Writers – Deadline FEB 1, 2024 https://ncte.org/awards/promising-young-writers/

The Best Children’s Writing Contests of 2024-2025– Writing competitions curated by Reedsy https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/children-s/

How to Submit Creative Writing and Art to Stone Soup. Stone Soup welcomes submissions from around the world by writers and artists ages 13 and younger. All submissions must come to us via Submittable. We do not accept submissions by email or by post. https://stonesoup.com/how-to-submit-writing-and-art-to-stone-soup/

TCK PUBLISHING

Kids have big imaginations, and when it comes to creating stories or poetry, it’s that bold creativity that can even give them an advantage over their adult counterparts. They also tend to be braver when it comes to sharing their work. LIST OF WRITING CONTESTS FOR KIDS https://www.tckpublishing.com/?s=contest

WE ARE TEACHERS

A list of the Best Student Writing Contests for 2024-2025 Help your students take their writing to the next level. When students write for teachers, it can feel like an assignment. When they write for a real purpose, they are empowered! Student writing contests are an easy and inspiring way to try writing for an authentic audience—a real panel of judges—and the possibility of prize money or other incentives. We’ve gathered a list of student writing contests below. From poetry to plays, essays to science fiction, there is something for everyone. See if any of them suit your curriculum, and get prepared to see some motivated students. Contests: https://www.weareteachers.com/student-contests-competitions/

18 Children’s publishers accepting submissions. https://writingworkshops.com/blogs/news/no-agent-required-11-literary-fiction-publishers-accepting-direct-submissions

Writing is one of 10 artistic disciplines in YoungArts’ national competition. This discipline encompasses creative nonfiction, novel, play or script, poetry, short story and spoken word. T he 202 5 YoungArts application opens in June 202 4 . https://youngarts.org/discipline/writing/

YOUNG WRITERS

2024 Listings. Young Writers was established in 1991 in a small warehouse in Eastern England and has blossomed into a worldwide brand! Today, Young Writers is still a modest family-run business, but on a much bigger scale than its humble beginnings. We pride ourselves on encouraging young writers to read, write and enjoy poetry as well as creative writing. Having work published boosts confidence, nurtures creative talent and showcases creativity. https://www.youngwritersusa.com/contests

The 2024 Book Pipeline: Unpublished contest is exclusively for unpublished manuscripts across six categories of fiction and nonfiction: Literary, Mystery / Thriller, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Nonfiction EARLY Deadline: SEP 5, 2024 Various contests. https://bookpipeline.com/shop/unpublished-contest

PUBLISHERS ARCHIVE

Check the genre in the left margin. https://publishersarchive.com/scifi-fantasy-contests

QUARKNDAGGER.COM

We’ve put together a list of writing contests or places to publish short works. These channels are ideal for young adults (teens), especially those interested in writing sci-fi and fantasy. Scroll through, put it in your calendar and get writing. If you have any you’d like to add to the list, comment below. https://quarkndagger.com/19-writing-contests-and-publication-outlets-for-young-adults/

Fantasy writing contests https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/fantasy/

FLASH FICTION

15 flash fiction is a short fiction story, written with utmost brevity. Not more than 1000 words, and still offers characters, plots, settings, style and themes. With the access of the internet, flash fiction is becoming more popular, as many journals and online magazines are dedicated to the style. Link says 2021 but listings are 2024 https://www.henryharvin.com/blog/top-15-flash-fiction-contest-2021/

CHRISTOPHER FIELDEN

2024 This page lists flash fiction, micro fiction, sudden fiction, twitterage, twitterature, dribble, drabble, minisaga, nanotale, micro-story and very short fiction competitions, prizes and awards. Please read and make sure you fully understand the rules and the terms & conditions of each competition listed before entering. https://www.christopherfielden.com/short-story-tips-and-writing-advice/flash-fiction-competitions.php

Flash 405 is Exposition Review’s multi-genre flash competition , awarding prizes and online publication to the winners! The contest runs every other month during our “off” season (January-August), when regular submissions are closed: February 4–March 5 • April 4–May 5 • June 4–July 5 • August 4–September 5 https://expositionreview.com/flash-405/ https://expositionreview.submittable.com/submit

FISH PUBLISHING

Closed https://www.fishpublishing.com/competition/flash-fiction-contest/

2024 PRIMAL FEARS HORROR SHORT STORY CHALLENGE -PRIZE: £1,000 | CLOSES: 19th Feb, 2024

For this short story challenge, all participants will be randomly assigned a horror sub-genre* and will receive a list of 20 primal fears. All participants will receive the same 20 primal fears. As soon as you receive your randomly assigned sub-genre and the list of primal fears, you’ll have until the closing time to write and submit a short story of any length up to 5,000 words. Your story should fit the sub-genre you were assigned and should be underpinned by one of the primal fears from the list. You get to choose the primal fear that will underpin your story. Contests: https://www.globesoup.net/writing-blog/best-flash-fiction-contests

Since 2002, NYC Midnight has hosted hundreds of inspiring competitions for storytellers around the world. Participants are challenged to create original stories, screenplays, or films using assigned elements under time constraints. If you enjoy a creative challenge, check out our upcoming competitions. • Short Story Challenge • Screenwriting Challenge • Flash Fiction Challenge • Microfiction Challenge/ • Short Screenplay Challenge http://www.nycmidnight.com

Several contests for listed. https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

STREETLIGHT

STREETLIGHT’S 2023 SUMMER FLASH FICTION CONTEST Up to 500 of your best, previously unpublished words. Any subject. Multiple submissions are fine — one work per entry. This is a blind contest. Please remove all personal information from the story pages. We encourage simultaneous submissions but if your piece is accepted elsewhere, inform us. Link says 2023 but lists are 2024 Deadline SEP 2, 2024 https://streetlightmag.com/2023-flash-fiction-contest/

The TCK Publishing Contest is an international short story contest established in 2021. Each year’s prizewinner receives a $1,000 honorarium and publication of his or her short story on the TCK Publishing website. https://www.tckpublishing.com/submission-guidelines/

WOW! Women On Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest

WE NOW HAVE TWO CONTESTS – WOW ! Women On Writing hosts two quarterly contests: one for fiction writers and one for nonfiction writers. We’ve hosted the flash fiction contest since 2006, and the essay contest since 2017. We look forward to reading your work. https://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest Quarterly Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

AMERICAN SHORT FICTION

We are thrilled to announce that the brilliant Dantiel W. Moniz—author of the acclaimed story collection Milk, Blood, Heat—will judge our 2024 American Short(er) Fiction Prize. The prize recognizes extraordinary short fiction under 1,000 words. The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 prize and publication. Previous winners of the Short(er) Fiction Prize have gone on to be anthologized in places such as The Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses. All entries will be considered for publication. https://americanshortfiction.org/submityourwork/the-shorter-fiction-prize/

Short Fiction Contest for Emerging Writers is “To Believe in the Ubiquity of Animation” by Mary Elizabeth Dubois. Congratulations also to our runner-up, “Saints of Missouri” by Cole Chamberlain and honorable mention “Such Lush, Lyrical Prose” by Zehra Nabi. The 2024 contest will open for submissions on September 1, 2024. https://www.boulevardmagazine.org/short-fiction-contest

CHANTICLEER BOOK REVIEWS

Various listed contests for 2024 https://www.chantireviews.com/category/contests/

MY FIRST BOOK

Looking for the very best writing competitions? Want to win cash prizes, agent introductions and even publishing contracts? Then check out the list of 29 incredible contests below. https://myfirstbookdeal.com/2024/02/01/best-writing-competitions-2024/

Several contests for listed, use the search options. https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/fiction/

The 2024 Writing Contests Deadline June 20, 2024. The contest submission window is from February 19 – June 30, 2024. The entry form is here. The entry fee is $35 per entry and includes a copy of the 2024 SFWC Writing Contest Anthology that will feature the winning work. Entries must fit into one of the following categories: https://www.sfwriters.org/2024-writing-contest-overview/

THE SATURDAY EVENING POST

2025 Great American Fiction Contest – Deadline July 1, 2024 In its two centuries of existence, The Saturday Evening Post has published short fiction by a who’s who of great American authors, including Ray Bradbury, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Louis L’Amour, Sinclair Lewis, Jack London, Joyce Carol Oates, Edgar Allan Poe, Anne Tyler, and Kurt Vonnegut, among so many others. “This contest is a tribute to the Post’s legacy of featuring the most renowned American fiction writers,” says Steven Slon, editorial director and associate publisher for The Saturday Evening Post. “Our goal is to continue the tradition of finding and featuring compelling stories and the authors behind them.” The winning story will be published in the January/February 2023 edition of The Saturday Evening Post, and the author will receive $1,000. Five runners-up will each receive $200 and will also have their stories featured online. https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/fiction-contest/

HISTORICAL FICTION

2024 HISTORICAL FICTION SHORT STORY CHALLENGE – PRIZE: £1,000 DEADLINE : 23:59 (UK time) 16th Sept, 2024 Story Length: any length up to 4,000 words. For this short story challenge, all participants will be randomly assigned one of 6 periods in history. As soon as you receive your assignment, you’ll have until the closing time to research, write, and submit a short story of no more than 4,000 words, set during this historical period. All we ask is that your story (or a significant portion of your story) be set in your assigned historical period. How much the actual history of that time influences the plot is up to you. You can use real historical figures as characters, you can use completely fictional characters, or you can use a combination of both. Your story can be centred around an actual historical event, have a historical event as the backdrop, or you can simply set your story during your assigned period. Want to mix genres? That’s fine too! You can write a historical horror story, a historical romance, a historical drama, or any kind of historical fiction story you want! The possibilities are endless. https://www.globesoup.net/historical-fiction-challenge-2024

THE HISTORICAL FICTION COMPANY

ENTER THE HFC 2024 BOOK AWARDS — No erotica. check deadlines YES, you can submit an unpublished manuscript to the contest! Guess what else you can do? You can now self-publish with our ALL-INCLUSIVE self-pub package OR use our hybrid publishing package under our imprint to publish your manuscript. At Historium Press, our submissions process is a two-tiered process which gives you feedback to get your project ready for publication—from reviewers who are in the business, as well as our internal editorial staff. If your novel is ready, we’ll give you the go ahead. If it is not ready, the evaluation will detail weaknesses and suggest the next steps to ensure a quality manuscript. We are looking for manuscripts in the following genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery, Historical Biography, Historical Literary, Historical Time Travel/Time Slip, Historical Fantasy, Historical YA/Teen, Historicals for Children, Altenate Historical, Cozy Historicals, Historical Non-Fiction Deadline November 29, 2024 https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission

THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION

Honouring the achievements of the founding father of the historical novel, the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction is one of the most prestigious literary prizes in the world. The winner receives £25,000 and shortlisted authors each receive £1,500. Since it was founded fourteen years ago by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, the Prize has awarded over £300,000 to writers and brought over 150 great novels to wider public attention. Deandline October 31, 2023 https://www.walterscottprize.co.uk/

Listings updated regularly. Scroll to CATEGORY in the left menu bar and then use the drop-down to select your category. There is a really long list of categories. https://writingcontests.wordpress.com/category/historical-fiction/

MAGAZINE BC

Please only submit or pitch to a magazine after you have read and met the submission requirements and have judged your piece or idea to be a good fit for the magazine’s usual content. Submitting or pitching to any and all magazines, a.k.a. the shotgun approach, just marks you out as lazy and annoys the editors. Scroll for daealines. https://magsbc.com/?s=contest

MYSTERY - SUSPENSE

Do you like writing short cozy mysteries? If so, we would love to invite you to submit your work for potential inclusion in our second Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology. Who can participate: Anyone at least 17 years of age, including emerging authors and never-published writers. Information below contest award image. https://warmmugofcozy.com/anthology-submission/

Listed by genre: https://writingcontests.wordpress.com/category/mystery-suspense-romance-thriller/

2024. Select publishers and agents get first look at the top selection for each category, including Katherine Tegen Books, Creative Artists Agency, and Verve Publishing. Early Deadline SEP 25, 2024. Literary, Mystery / Thriller, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, Romance / Women’s Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Picture Books, Nonfiction. htps://bookpipeline.com/shop/unpublished-contest

2024. Anyone who has participated in writing events before–such as NaNoWriMo–knows how effective it can be to write against the clock, and that’s where writing contests come in! These contests can be a great way to develop your skills, challenge yourself against other writers, and, above all else, win an award for your work. https://blog.kotobee.com/writing-contests-2024/

2025 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America Best First Novel Competition – Welcome to the 2023 Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America Best First Novel Competition. Please read all of the rules and guidelines before submitting your entry. You can find the complete rules and guidelines at us.macmillan.com/minotaurbooks/writing-competitions. To enter, you must complete this form and upload an electronic file of your Manuscript. – Only electronic submissions, uploaded through this entry form, will be considered; do not mail or e-mail manuscript submissions to Minotaur Books. Deadline: DEC 15, 2024 https://us.macmillan.com/minotaurbooks/submit-manuscript/

“The Mysterious Case”. We chose this theme because it’s broad enough to include all genres and fuel your creativity. To respect the theme of the contest, the main character or characters of your entry must have a suspenseful investigation with a mystery in the plot. This event must occur in the story before the end of the fourth chapter and must be mentioned in your book description.Deadline April 2, 2023 https://neovel.io/contest/the-mysterious-case-contest

Mystery – Suspense Contests Listed for 2024 – more may be added. https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/suspense/

2024 Autumn House Nonfiction Prize Is Now Open. The submission period closes April 30, 2024 (Eastern Time). We will announce the finalists and the winner of the contest by August 1, 2024. The winner will receive book publication, a $1,000 honorarium, and a $1,500 travel/publicity grant to promote their book. https://www.autumnhouse.org/submissions/nonfiction/?mc_cid=eb8172a50c&mc_eid=f81dd88185

Nonfiction Contest for Emerging Writers – $1,000 and publication in Boulevard awarded to the winning essay by a writer who has not yet published a book of fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction with a nationally distributed press. We open submissions for the 2024 nonfiction contest on June 1, 2024. Deadline: September 30, 2024 https://www.boulevardmagazine.org/nonfiction-contest

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Check the list for what they are currently accepting and deadlines. https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics

2024 Below are tables listing various essay contests and other non-fiction writing competitions, prizes and awards. Some are academic, some offer scholarships and others are just for fun. Please read and make sure you fully understand the rules and the terms & conditions of each competition listed before entering. https://www.christopherfielden.com/short-story-tips-and-writing-advice/essay-contests-and-non-fiction-writing-competitions.php

CNFC – CREATIVE NONFICTION COLLECTIVE

2024 CNFC-HLR nonfiction contest. Closes February 2024 The Humber Literary Review (HLR) and the Creative Nonfiction Collective Society (CNFC) have joined forces to bring you a Canada-wide creative nonfiction contest. Winners will be announced in the spring of 2024. https://creativenonfictioncollective.ca/cnf-contest/

Inspired by the mission and role of the town common, an egalitarian gathering place, The Common aims to foster the global exchange of diverse ideas and experiences. As such, we welcome and encourage submissions from writers who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, LGBTQIA+-identifying, immigrant, international, and/or otherwise from communities underrepresented in U.S. literary magazines and journals. We seek stories, essays, poems, and dispatches that embody a strong sense of place: pieces in which the setting is crucial to character, narrative, mood, and language. We receive many submissions about traveling in foreign countries and discourage writers from submitting conventional travelogues in which narrators report on experiences abroad without reflecting on larger themes. STORIES, ESSAYS, POETRY, and TRANSLATIONS: – March 1 – June 1 • September 1 – December 1 • Subscribers may submit year-round for free https://www.thecommononline.org/submit/

Newfound Prose Prize – The Newfound Prose Prize is awarded annually to a chapbook-length work of exceptional fiction or creative nonfiction. The work may be in the form of a long story or essay or a collection of short pieces (60 pages max). Other than the page limit, the only formal requirement is that some aspect of the work must inform or explore how place shapes identity, imagination, and understanding. Submission: 1 5 SEP 2022 thru 15 MAR 2023 https://newfound.org/prose-prize/

REEDY.COM/ NON FICTION CONTESTS

A large list of non-fiction contests for 2024. https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/non-fiction/

The 2024 Writing Contest opens on Feb.19th. The contest submission window is from February 19 – June 30, 2024 . The entry form is here. The entry fee is $35 per entry and includes a copy of the 2024 SFWC Writing Contest Anthology that will feature the winning work. Entries must fit into one of the following categories: https://www.sfwriters.org/2024-writing-contest-overview/

Welcome to the most comprehensive list of creative writing competitions, short story competitions, and various events for writers. Each item on our list includes basic information about max word count, associated fees, submission deadlines, and the maximum prize that can be won. Clicking on an item opens a new page featuring a more detailed description and a link to the organizer’s submission page. Events that are free to enter are highlighted. Scroll to view contests. https://dystopianstories.com/writing-competitions-contests/

AUSTRALIAN BOOK REVIEW

The 2025 Peter Porter Poetry Prize will be open for entries from 1 July 2024 and will close on 7 October 2024 . It will be the twenty-first Porter Prize. Poetry: https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/prizes-programs/peter-porter-poetry-prize The 2025 Peter Porter Poetry Prize is now open for entries and will close at midnight on 7 October 2024 AEST. It is the twenty-first Porter Prize.

For the 2024 contest, the Autumn House staff as well as select outsider readers serve as the preliminary readers, and the final judge is Kazim Ali. The winner receives publication of their full-length manuscript and $2,500. The submission period opens May 1, 2024, and closes June 30, 2024 (Eastern Time). We will announce the finalists and the winner of the contest by October 1, 2024. https://www.autumnhouse.org/submissions/poetry/?mc_cid=d67a73259d&mc_eid=f81dd88185

Boulevard strives to publish only the finest in fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. While we frequently publish writers with previous credits, we are very interested in less experienced or unpublished writers with exceptional promise. If you have practiced your craft and your work is the best it can be, send it to Boulevard. Poetry Deadline June 1, 2024 https://boulevard.submittable.com/submit

CREATIVE WRITING INK POETRY PRIZE

The Creative Writing Ink Poetry Prize 2023 is open to writers across the globe, until May 31st 2023 at 4pm (GMT). Poems do not need to follow any particular theme or genre, but must be written in English. Poetry should not exceed 42 lines. https://creativewriting.ie/competitions/

DREAM QUEST ONE – POETRY & WRITING CONTEST

Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest – SUMMER 2024 – Deadline: September 30, 2024 – All poems must be written or translated into the English language, 30 lines or fewer, and must be neatly hand printed or typed, using single or double line spacing, on any subject, theme, style, shape, or form. All entries must be original works. https://www.dreamquestone.com/rules/enter-now

HAMMOND HOUSE INTERNATIONAL

Our 2023 Writing Competition offers over £2000 in cash prizes, a televised Award Ceremony and the opportunity to be published in our annual anthologies. Sponsored by the University Centre Grimsby, this annual writing competition, now in its seventh year, attracts entries from up to 30 countries around the world. Submission Deadline: 30th September 2023 RULES CATEGORIES : Short Story – Poetry – Scriptwriting – Songwriting 2024 International Literary Prize Opens Feb 24, 2024 – Closes Sep 30, 2024 https://www.hammondhouse.org.uk/2024-literary-prize

2024 The Short Fiction Contest. The contest is open to all writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. Submissions must be 3000 words or fewer. The final judge will be acclaimed author Danielle Evans. The Kenyon Review will publish the winning short story, and the author will be awarded a scholarship to attend the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop. Additional info on the Writers Workshops is available here. Every Year Jan 1 through Jan 31 Short Fiction Contest: https://kenyonreview.org/contests/short-fiction/ Short NonFiction Contest: https://kenyonreview.org/submit/short-nonfiction-contest/ Short Poetry Contest: https://kenyonreview.org/submit/poetry-contest/

300+ Writing Contests You Need to Enter in 2021 – If there’s one thing we need these days, it’s consistency. Something that proves not everything has changed. Something that gives you a bout of comfort given the current circumstances. So what better way to do that than to know 2021 comes with a host of writing contests for people of all ages from all around the world? Sort by Genre and Month https://blog.kotobee.com/writing-contests-2024/

THE ANZALDUA POETY PRIZE The Gloria E. Anzaldúa Poetry Prize is awarded annually to a poet whose work explores how place shapes identity, imagination, and understanding. Special attention is given to poems that exhibit multiple vectors of thinking: artistic, theoretical, and social, which is to say, political. Deadline 15 SEP 2023 https://newfound.org/poetry-prize/

POETRY MAMA

20 2024 Free poetry contests to enter.. Looking for online publishers, poetry contests or magazine for submissions is quite a monotonous and tiresome process in itself , let alone the chances of finding relevant info. But not anymore. Here you’ll find monthly updated contests and submission portals that’ll help you grow as beginners and support your writing career at the same. Every contest is provided with all the information you need to know before submitting to it. Poets from all nationalities can take part in the poetry contests without worrying about submission fee. So, go writers. https://poetrymama.com/poetry-contests/

POETS & WRITERS WRITING CONTESTS, GRANTS & AWARDS

The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere. Sort by Genre, date, etc., using their filter https://www.pw.org/grants?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_Y29xan-5QIVGKSzCh3cQwAmEAMYAiAAEgJXqvD_BwE

Several contests listed. https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/poetry/

TCK PUBLISHING SHORT STORY CONTEST

The TCK Publishing Flash Fiction Contest is an international short story contest established in 2021. Each year’s prizewinner receives a $1,000 honorarium and publication of his or her short story on the TCK Publishing website. List of contests: https://www.tckpublishing.com/2024-poetry-awards-contest/ general submissions: https://www.tckpublishing.com/submission-guidelines/

Welcome to the 22nd annual Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $10,000 in prizes. Please submit during April 15-October 1, 2024. https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/tom-howard-margaret-reid-poetry-contest

Several contests listed…. scroll to find them. https://www.writermag.com/contests/

WOC THIS WAY FOR POETRY

Submissions for the Summer, 2024 issue open April 15 – June 15, 2024 https://wocthiswayforpoetry.wordpress.com/guidelines/

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE WRITERS

As the name suggests, we are a group of writers from around the world who love – and write – contemporary romance and contemporary romantic fiction of all sorts. Our members write all contemporary sub-genres from spicy to inspirational, young adult to adult, real-world to paranormal, and more. Contemporary Romance written or published in the previous calendar year. Unpublished and Published Divisions, Categories include:Contemporary Romance (Long, Mid, Short), Romantic Suspense, Women’s , Fiction/Chick Lit, Young Adult/New Adult, Erotica, Contemp. Speculative Romance (Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-Fi) DEADLINE MARCH 31. 2003 https://contemporaryromance.org/2023-stiletto-contest/

L ove Inspired Suspense is actively seeking submissions! Check out our editors’ wishlist. If you have a contemporary inspirational romantic suspense of about 55,000 words, we invite you to submit.

Our editors are acquiring stories for a new romance line coming to Harlequin in January 24 – Afterglow Books! Aimed at a broad readership, including the under-35 romance reader, we’re looking for spicy romances grounded in relatable character journeys. Everyone deserves a love story that’s true to who they are.

Harlequin is looking to publish more romance stories by authors in underrepresented communities, We welcome all writers to the Harlequin community and want readers to see themselves reflected in the romantic stories we publish. Use https://www.writeforharlequin.com/submission-calls/

LEAGUE OF ROMANCE WRITERS

The League of Romance Writers would like to announce our upcoming Romance Writing Contest, The 2023 Emily. The contest will open for submissions on September 1, 2023, and close on October 2, 2023. Finalists will be decided by our First Round judges, and we have an awesome line-up of agent and editor judges, who will decide the winner in each category. The winners will be announced at a fun ceremony in February 2023, at which winners receive Emily Pins and learn if an agent or editor has requested to see more of their manuscript. Opens September 1, 2024 https://leagueromwriters.com/theemily/contest-information/

NEW JERSEY ROMANCE WRITERS

The Golden Leaf is awarded annually for excellence in published romantic fiction. All published authors are welcome to enter books published opens June 1, 2024 – August , 2024 You do not have to be a member of NJRW to take part. https://www.njromancewriters.org/golden-leaf-2024.html

ORANGE COUNTY ROMANCE WRITERS

OCRW is very excited that the Book Buyers Best contest is running in 2023. However, we are greatly saddened that the Orange Rose Contest for unpublished authors will be on hiatus for 2023. The Orange Rose has been an exemplary contest providing authors with valuable feedback and contacts for many years. We are hopeful that 2024 will see a resurgence of energy and put the Orange Rose back on target! See below for our 2022 finalists. https://ocromancewriters.org/contests/orange-rose-contest/

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WRITERS ASSOCIATION

Writing contest with several genre, for both published and non-published authors. Site is a little hard to read and some items are underlined that are not links, however some bold items are actually hyperlinks. Online registration is available until: 4/15/2024 https://www.pnwa.org/page/writingcontest

2024 CONTESTS. Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Thriller, Young Adult

https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/romance/

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA

NHRA’s 2024 Romance Novel Blurb Contest Sponsor: New Hampshire Romance Writers of America Chapter How and When to Enter: On or after March 15, 2024, submit an application that includes a PDF of your blurb and a fee of $20 per contest submission (maximum of two; fee is $15 for New Hampshire Romance Writers of America members) Dates: March 15- April 30, 2024 More information: https://nhrwa.wordpress.com/special-events/2024-blurb-contest/

Other Events: https://www.rwa.org/Online/Events/Chapter_Events.aspx

SCIENCE FICTION - HORROR

The 2024 Book Pipeline: Unpublished contest is exclusively for unpublished manuscripts across six categories of fiction and nonfiction: https://bookpipeline.com/shop/unpublished-contest

THE LIGHT BRINGER PROJECT

Submissions Closed The Omega Sci-Fi Project invites Los Angeles County high school students to submit their short science fiction stories to The Tomorrow Prize. The Tomorrow Prize encourages young writers to use sci-fi to explore the diverse issues humanity wrestles with, spark creative solutions, and unite the worlds of art and science. https://www.lightbringerproject.org/science-fiction-competitions

The 28th annual Parsec Short Story Contest will open on January 1st and close on March 31st, 2024. The 2024 Contest theme is “AI mythology” We ask that authors try and incorporate both concepts into their speculative work. This can be conveyed in the setting, plot, characters, dialogue; the only limit is your imagination. The theme must be integral to the story in some way and not just mentioned in passing. https://parsec-sff.org/short-story-contest/

Here you can find a large list of publishers as well as a list of awards and contests. https://publishersarchive.com/scifi-fantasy-contests

So far 58 science fiction Fantasy contests listed. https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/science-fiction/

ENTER THE WRITER CONTEST – 3rd Quarter 2024 – Deadline: June 30, 2024 This Contest will run from April 1, 2024, through June 30, 2024. Deadline is 11:59 p.m. June 30, 2024 Pacific Standard Time. https://www.writersofthefuture.com/enter-writer-contest/

SCREENWRITING

La screen play awards.com.

SUBMISSIONS: This is the only screenplay competition founded by a team of working Hollywood professionals with more than 1,000 produced credits and a century of collective industry experience. Our roster of Senior Judges includes multiple Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and WGA Award Winners. Feature Screenplay https://lascreenplayawards.com/feature-screenplay/ TV Script https://lascreenplayawards.com/tv-script/ Short Screenplay https://lascreenplayawards.com/short-screenplay/ https://lascreenplayawards.com/

Screen Writing Competition kicks off March 2024 – register now. CLICK on Challenges in top Menu Bar http://www.nycmidnight.com

PAGE INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITING AWARDS

All Contests: https://pageawards.com/the-contest/

SELF PUBLISHING

Several contests listed. Use the sorting options to find deadlines. https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/

SELF PUBLISHING: North Street Book Prize – 10th year. Your self-published or hybrid-published book can win up to $10,000 plus expert marketing services. Mainstream/Literary Fiction – Genre Fiction (e.g. romance, mystery, thriller, young adult, science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, etc.) – Creative Nonfiction & Memoir (definition) – Poetry – Children’s Picture Book – Middle Grade – Graphic Novel & Memoir – Art Book (definition) https://winningwriters.com/our-contests/north-street-book-prize?utm_campaign=north-globesoup-email-2406&utm_medium=email&utm_source=globesoup

SHORT STORY / ESSAY / ANTHOLOGY

Do you like writing short cozy mysteries? If so, we would love to invite you to submit your work for potential inclusion in our second Warm Mug of Cozy Anthology. Submission deadline for Volume 2 : April 30, 2024. SROLL BELOW 2023 AWARD IMAGE https://warmmugofcozy.com/anthology-submission/

ABR welcomes entries in the 2024 ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize. The Jolley Prize is worth a total of $12,500 and is for an original work of short fiction of between 2,000 and 5,000 words, written in English. This is the fifteenth time the Jolley Prize has run and it is one of the world’s leading prizes for short fiction. Prize Money: $12,500 (first prize: $6,000, second prize: $4,000, third prize: $2,500) Dates: Opens 16 January and closes 22 April https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/prizes-programs/elizabeth-jolley-story-prize/current-prize

Welcome to the most comprehensive list of creative writing competitions, short story competitions, and various events for writers. Each item on our list includes basic information about max word count, associated fees, submission deadlines, and the maximum prize that can be won. Clicking on an item opens a new page featuring a more detailed description and a link to the organizer’s submission page. Events that are free to enter are highlighted. https://dystopianstories.com/writing-competitions-contests/

Essays, Short Stories, Novelettes, and Novellas Chanticleer International Book Awards is seeking the Best New SHORTS in FICTION We have five categories: One solo entry per genre division is $45 (one Short Story, one Novelette, one Novella, or one Essay) Collections – three categories – an additional $54 per collection ($99 per collection entry) : https://www.chantireviews.com/category/contests/

Below are tables listing various short story competitions. Some are based in the UK, some are global. Some contests are of high renown (like the BBC Short Story Award or the Bridport Prize), offering huge prizes, and some are lesser known, but offer great opportunities for newer writers to become published authors. I will try and keep this list up to date, but please check the rules and dates on the different competition websites before entering. PLEASE NOTE: Most of the competitions listed on this page accept entries from writers living anywhere in the world. The country each competition is run from is listed so you know which global market you are submitting to. https://www.christopherfielden.com/short-story-tips-and-writing-advice/book-and-novel-competitions.php

CREATIVE WRITING INK

2024 . Stories do not need to follow any particular theme or genre, but must be written in English. Maximum word count is 3000 words. 1st prize: £1000, plus a free creative writing course of the winner’s choice and publication on our site. 2 runners-up: £200 each. Entry fee: £9. Final judge: Lucie Brownlee. Various competitions to choose from. https://creativewritingink.co.uk/competitions/ Short Story: https://creativewritingink.co.uk/creative-writing-ink-short-story-competition-2024/

CREATIVE WRITING NZ

The Creative Writing NZ Short Story Prize 2024 is open for entries from January 30th, 2024. The deadline for receipt of all entries is 11.59pm(NZST) on April 30, 2024. Entries will only be accepted through Duosuma. https://creativewriting.co.nz/competition/the-creative-writing-nz-short-story-prize-2024/

Gotham always has a writing contest (or two) going. These contests are a great way to stretch your talent and imagination, and we dangle nice prizes to give you extra motivation. Check out our current contests. And it’s worth a look at the winners and finalists in our past contests; the quality of work always amazes us. https://www.writingclasses.com/contests

GOTHAM WRITERS

2024 Writing Contests – Gotham always has a writing contest (or two) going. These contests are a great way to stretch your talent and imagination, and we dangle nice prizes to give you extra motivation. Check out our current contests. And it’s worth a look at the winners and finalists in our past contests; the quality of work always amazes us. https://www.writingclasses.com/contests

CATEGORIES: Short Story – Poetry – Scriptwriting – Songwriting https://www.hammondhouse.org.uk/writing-competitions

2024 The Short Fiction Contest. The contest is open to all writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. Submissions must be 3000 words or fewer. The final judge will be acclaimed author Danielle Evans. The Kenyon Review will publish the winning short story, and the author will be awarded a scholarship to attend the Kenyon Review Writers Workshop. Additional info on the Writers Workshops is available here. Every Year Jan 1 through Jan 31 Short Fictipn Contest: https://kenyonreview.org/contests/short-fiction/ Short NonFiction Contest: https://kenyonreview.org/submit/short-nonfiction-contest/ Short Poetry Contest: https://kenyonreview.org/submit/poetry-contest/

KNIGHT WRITING PRESS

We are looking for darker legends of the mermaid. Sirens, womenfolk (fishfolk?) who lure men into the sea. Of the men (or their wives!) who seek revenge for lost loves, lost fortunes, and wrecked ships. We want Tails of Tragedy and Terror, Stories of Sails and Seas an. for how the boy and girl can or should or could interact, even when fictitious and obviously untrue. DEADLINE AUG, 31,2 024 https://knightwritingpress.com/open-and-upcoming-submissions/

MIRROR WORLD PUBLISHING, SHARON LEDWITH

Here you can find a large list of publishers as well as a list of awards and contests. short story contests: https://publishersarchive.com/short-story-contests https://publishersarchive.com/scifi-fantasy-contests

Several contestsf listed keep scrolling. NEW Enter our short story competition – Submit a short story based on one of 5 weekly prompts. Winners get $50 and will feature on our app! Sign up to get this week’s prompts. https://https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests

The TCK Publishing Flash Fiction Contest is an international short story contest established in 2021. Each year’s prizewinner receives a $1,000 honorarium and publication of his or her short story on the TCK Publishing website. Submission close June 30, 2024 List of contests: https://www.tckpublishing.com/2024-poetry-awards-contest/ general submissions: https://www.tckpublishing.com/submission-guidelines/

H.G.WELLS SHORT STORY COMPETITION

The annual HG Wells Fiction Short Story Competition offers a £500 Senior and £1,000 Junior prize and free publication of all shortlisted entries in a quality, professionally published paperback anthology. the closing date is Monday 8th July 2024 and entries will be accepted up to 11pm (BST) on that date. https://hgwellscompetition.com/

Currently on hiaitus. https://www.writermag.com/the-writer-contests/500-word-contest-2023/

The Writing District List of Contests https://thewritingdistrict.com/contests/

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Building u – student opportunities.

For Students by Students. A large filterable list of things for students, including writing contests. THERE IS A CLEAR NEED to identify and address factors that most significantly impact the odds of successful outcomes for high school students as they move forward in their present and make plans for their postsecondary future. INDEPENDENT RESEARCH in both Canada and the US suggests that the biggest factors contributing to successful postsecondary outcomes are: awareness of and good information around relevant options, and self-determined decision-making and planning. https://building-u.com/opportunities/

KET EDUCATION

The 2024 KET Young Writers Contest will launch on January 1 and run through March 31. If your writers would like to get started ahead of time, the contest categories, rules and rubrics are available below. Need some inspiration? https://education.ket.org/young-writers-contest/

Now accepting submissions for the Promising Young Writers – Deadline FEB 15, 2024 https://ncte.org/awards/promising-young-writers/

Where young writers can find print and online literary magazines to read, places to publish their own works, and legitimate contests. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication’s website. Ages can include elementary, teen, or early college. This is an ad-free resource: publications and writing contests listed here have not paid to be included. This guide is maintained by Editor Denise Hill, a teacher who loves to encourage young writers. Contestes listed for 2024, monthly, updated regularly. Scroll down to DEADLINE DATES and choose month. https://www.newpages.com/young-writers-guide/young-writers-guide-to-contests/

NORTH SOUTH FOUNDATION

The primary goal of NorthSouth Foundation contests is to foster the spirit of competition and learning among the youth. Parents and children should focus on the joy of learning and interacting with other writing participants rather than on the possible outcome of the contest. Specifically, the NorthSouth Foundation Essay contest is intended to encourage writing skills, which demand quick thinking, good organization of ideas and cohesive writing style. In addition to all the general contest rules stated by North South Foundation, the following rules are applicable for Essay Writing Bee (Leadership In Writing) Competition. There are 3 levels of competition in Essay Bee:Essay Writing Level 1 (EW1): Grades 3, 4 and 5 Essay Writing Level 2 (EW2): Grades 6, 7 and 8 Essay Writing Level 3 (EW3): Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 https://northsouth.org/public/LandingPage/Contest

ONE YEAR ADVENTURE NOVEL

Deadline: 11:59 p.m. CDT, August 15, 2024 Every year, we run a free novel contest for our students. Any One Year Adventure Novel student under 20 who has a valid curriculum license and who finishes a novel that meets the course requirements can submit. https://clearwaterpress.com/oneyearnovel/events/young-writers-novel-contest/

The Best Children’s Writing Contests of 2024– Writing competitions curated by Reedsy https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/children-s/

A list of the Best Student Writing Contests for 2024-2025. Help your students take their writing to the next level. When students write for teachers, it can feel like an assignment. When they write for a real purpose, they are empowered! Student writing contests are an easy and inspiring way to try writing for an authentic audience—a real panel of judges—and the possibility of prize money or other incentives. We’ve gathered a list of student writing contests below. From poetry to plays, essays to science fiction, there is something for everyone. See if any of them suit your curriculum, and get prepared to see some motivated students. https://www.weareteachers.com/?s=CONTESTS

Young Writers was established in 1991 in a small warehouse in Eastern England and has blossomed into a worldwide brand! Today, Young Writers is still a modest family-run business, but on a much bigger scale than its humble beginnings. We pride ourselves on encouraging young writers to read, write and enjoy poetry as well as creative writing. Having work published boosts confidence, nurtures creative talent and showcases creativity.

ELEMENTARY – https://youngwritersusa.com/contest/elementary
MIDDLE & HIGH – https://youngwritersusa.com/contest/middle-high
ALL AGED: – https://youngwritersusa.com/contest/all-ages

TEENS AND WRITING YOUNG ADULT

New Memoir Award. We all have a story to tell about ourselves, the good, the bad and the how did I end up there? Our memoir award celebrates the life story, a fragment in time or rear view mirror look at what was and now is. https://bridportprize.org.uk/memoir-award-coming-soon/

COLLEGE TRANSITIONS

GIRLS WRITE NOW

Contest sources for youth. Scroll down for 2024 contests. https://girlswritenow.org/resource/writing-contests/

HANGING LOOSE MAGAZINE

(Year Round) This magazine invites high school students to submit their poetry or short stories for publication as well as payment if selected. This is open to high school students ages 9-12. Visit their page for more information https://www.hangingloosepress.com/submissions/

Where young writers can find print and online literary magazines to read, places to publish their own works, and legitimate contests. Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication’s website. Ages can include elementary, teen, or early college. This is an ad-free resource: publications and writing contests listed here have not paid to be included. This guide is maintained by Editor Denise Hill, a teacher who loves to encourage young writers. Sort Deadline by Month: Scroll down and select Month. https://www.newpages.com/writers-resources/young-writers-guide-to-contests

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Not yet updated to 2024. STUFF FOR THE TEEN AGE, FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, FOR TEACHERS 25 Writing Contests and Publication Opportunities for Teens by Marianna Vertsman, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) Have to scroll down the page to see the Contests. https://www.nypl.org/blog/2020/10/26/writing-competitions-young-adults

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS

TEEN INK : is one of the most popular and diverse writing spaces to get published in high school. The broad categories for publication reflect the diversity of writing that this lively online magazine celebrates. Some publication categories include: community service, travel and culture, the environment, health, reviews of TV shows and video games, and college essays, among the more traditional poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. https://www.teenink.com/submit
AGNI : Not yet updated to 2024 is Boston University’s well-respected journal. It appears in both print and online. AGNI submissions are not limited to high school writers, but the journal is known to accept and publish lots of work by new writers. Get published in high school at AGNI and you’ve taken an important step to becoming a writer in the real world! Find them online at: http://www.bu.edu/agni/submit.html
THE ADROIT JOURNA L: CLOSED FOR SUBMISSIONS. is run by high school students, college students, and emerging writers. Adroit publishes within “over 21” and “under 21” categories, so your writing will appear alongside great work by writers of any age. Adroit publishes fiction and poetry, and includes art and photography. http://www.theadroitjournal.org/
EMBER : CLOSED FOR SUBMISSIONS only published twice a year, but this beautiful and dreamy journal of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction appeals to all age groups. Although it doesn’t exclusively publish young writers, submissions from writers and artists ages 10 to 18 are strongly encouraged. Submissions open in February of 2021. For more details, visit them online at: http : //emberjournal.org/
POLYPHONY LIT : invites submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction from high school students worldwide. Student editors provide feedback to all submissions, including the ones not accepted for publication. Scroll down for 2024 dedlines. https://www.polyphonylit.org/copy-of-submit

The Best Children’s Writing Contests of 2022 – Writing competitions curated by Reedsy https://blog.reedsy.com/writing-contests/children-s/

The 2024 Writing Contest opens on Feb.19th. Deadline June 30, 2024 The contest submission window is from February 19 – June 30, 2024. The entry form is here. The entry fee is $35 per entry and includes a copy of the 2024 SFWC Writing Contest Anthology that will feature the winning work. Entries must fit into one of the following categories: https://www.sfwriters.org/2024-writing-contest-overview/

SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS

Are you a visionary? Are you an original thinker? The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards has been empowering young talent since 1923. This competition is open for grades 7th –12th and has a submission period from September – December. http://www.hotdishmagazine.com/submit.html

The 2024 Writing Competition – Deadline: February 29, 2024 (11:59pm CDT) – Essay category – Focusing on introducing students and young adults to Korean culture and history through literature, our essay category utilizes folk tales and contemporary literature to explore Korean culture, past and present. https://sejongculturalsociety.org/writing/current/index.php

SELECT YOUTH CONTESTS

HOT DISH MAGAZINE , an online journal serving up a bubbling mixture of poetry and fiction by teens (grades 9–12), wants your voice to be heard! We award cash prizes for fiction, poetry, and the Hot Dish Challenge. Our submission period is October-January. Visit us at http://www.hotdishmagazine.com/submit.html
GIRLS RIGHT THE WORLD is a literary journal inviting young, female-identified writers and artists, ages 14–21, to submit work for consideration for the fourth annual issue. We believe girls’ voices transform the world for the better. We accept poetry, prose, and visual art of any style or theme. We ask to be the first to publish your work in North America; after publication, the rights return to you. Please include a note mentioning your age, where you’re from, and a bit about your submission. Send your best work, in English or English translation, to [email protected] between September 1 and December 31. https://www.girlswritenow.org/contests/
THE LUMIERE REVIEW – CLOSED is a literary magazine dedicated to shining the light on all voices (particularly young creatives) through poetry, prose, and art. We’ll be running our first annual writing contest for poetry and prose, which will be open for submission from December 1st to January 15th. Updates will be made on our social media accounts (@lumierereview on twitter and instagram). https://lumierereview.com/contest.

TAMPA BAY TIMES

An Annual Writing Contest For T ampa Bay Area High Schools – he Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Award seeks to nurture and recognize the creativity and talent of young writers in the Tampa Bay area. It was established to encourage aspiring authors to explore the genres of science fiction and fantasy and to experiment with the short story format. Entries are judged by a panel of experts including professional fantasy and science fiction authors and Tampa Bay Times staff. https://clients.tampabay.com/2024/writing-contest/home/index.html

WOMEN WRITING THER WEST BLOG

– We welcome any content, written by real writers who show an understanding and expertise in a chosen topic. – Submissions must be useful for building stronger writing platforms, practical or technical, that readers can use immediately or tag for future. – Previously published work relating a specific topic from the suggested list, is acceptable. – WWW cannot work with agency writers and cannot accept submissions that include political or religious views. https://womenwritingthewest.wordpress.com/about-2/www-blog-submission-guidelines/

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Achieving 250 words / 25 lines per page.

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A Dream Realized
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Finding Time to Write
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The Art of Being Rejected–475 Words
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Various Types of Writing for Young Writers
Why Article Writing Should Be A Part Of Your Career Development Strategy
Write Better Naked
Writer’s Conferences Do You Really Need To Attend?
Writing By Moonlight
35 Online Work Ideas to Earn Good Money Whilst Studying
An Interview with Holly Ambrose
Copyright Primer, Know Your Rights
EBooks-Fears to Possibilities
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Freelance Writing 101
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Science Writing Organizations
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Ultimate Guide to Being a Freelancer 2023 Update
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Online Safety for Kids and Teens
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WRITING TOOLS - APPS

Finding Your Writing Compass: A Guide to Freelance Adventures
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You Can Write A Short Story Part 1 The Story Idea
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A Writers Dream-The Home Office
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LIVE – Short Story

Write a story set against the backdrop of a storm.

There’s been an accident — what happens next, your character overhears something that changes their path., write a story with two characters who meet for the first time — and one of them has a secret., write about someone who summons the creative muse through a convoluted ritual or method., your protagonist has the perfect day scheduled — but things don’t go according to plan., write from the pov of a character in a story who keeps getting re-written by their second-guessing author., your protagonist discovers that everything they type comes true. what happens next, start your story with someone who wants to give up on their career right before their big break., follow a group of strangers touring a city on some kind of vehicle — a bus, a duck tour boat, a party bike… anything that transports passengers, write about someone who’s traveling away from their hometown for the first time., write about someone’s journey to retrieve an important object that’s been out of their possession for a long time., set your story in an airport where all flights have been canceled and all the passengers and crew members are stranded., write about someone who’s traveling to a place they’ve never been to meet someone they’ve never met., end your story with someone saying “i do.”, write a story from the pov of a plus-one., start your story with people arriving at a special ceremony., write a story in the form of a speech (or multiple speeches)., center your story around two people who meet at a wedding., win $250 in our short story competition 🏆.

We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250!

Contest #267 LIVE

Enter our weekly contest.

This week's theme: Overcoming Obstacles with Writers Ink

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Contest entries, closes at 23:59 - sep 13, 2024 est, recent contests ✍️.

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How To Win a Writing Contest

by Joe Bunting | 33 comments

Writing contests are a great way to practice your writing skills and win prizes. Do you want to learn how to win a writing contest?

If you enter a writing contest, there are a ton of benefits. It's a chance to practice your writing. It motivates you to write more and finish stories.

And, of course, most writing contests come with grand prize winners and prize money.

In this article, you can learn how to enter a writing contest and how to win one. Read on to learn more!

How NOT to Win a Writing Contest

Before you learn how to become a contest winner, it's worth knowing what will prevent you from winning a contest. Let's get the obvious out of the way.

Submitting a proofed entry that is free of writing errors and follows the contest guidelines is the minimum requirement you need to meet if you want to win a writing contest.

Here are some common mistakes that prevent writers from winning, entry after entry:

Don't proofread . Do I really need to tell you to proofread? Personally, I'm lenient when it comes to some typos. If the piece is excellent but has two or three mistakes. I recognize that there is time to fix them before we publish the story. A grammatical error every once in a while won't break your story, but enough that clutters the story will.
Knowingly or unknowingly break grammar rules . If you want to win, observe proper grammar . Again, I don't really need to tell you this, do I?
Write 1,000 words more than the word count limit . You will not win a writing contest if you submit a 2,500 word story to a writing contest asking for contest entries 1,500 words or less. Don't waste your entry fee.
Submit a literary fiction masterpiece to a supernatural romance contest . Yes, that's a recipe for failure. Writing contests generally lean toward certain genres. If the genre is not explicitly stated, read previously published stories from the contest to get a sense of what the judges will be looking for.
If there is a theme, ignore it . Writing contests often ask for pieces that fit a certain theme or even follow a prompt. A good way to lose a writing contest is to ignore the contest theme requirements and write whatever you feel like.

These are obvious, right? I would like to believe that they are, but I've judged enough writing contests to know that many people don't seem to understand these tips.

Now, on to the bulk of this article: how to win a writing contest.

Note: These are just the base requirements. Following them will only ensure that your piece is considered, not chosen as the winner.

How to Write a Winning Short Story Idea

How do you write a story that could win a writing contest? And how do you find a really great short story idea? In this coaching video, Joe gets coached by author Sarah Gribble, the #1 bestselling author of SURVIVING DEATH.

She helps Joe workshop his short story to turn it into what will hopefully be a winning short story. If you've ever wanted to win a writing contest, this is absolutely going to help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBQXbNje0ec

5 Tips to Win a Writing Contest

When it comes to winning story contests, follow these five tips:

1. Recognize you are human

This may be a strange way to begin a list of tips on how to win a writing contest, but let me explain.

Stephen King once said, “To write is human, to edit is divine.” But instead of the word “edit,” you could substitute the phrase “judge writing contests,” because editors and writing contest judges play a similarly godlike role.

To Write Is Human, To Edit Is Divine Stephen King

To scrutinize the actions of the judges of a writing contest is impossible.

All writing is subjective. A judge attempts to say, “This story is good,” or “This story is bad,” but really, they are just choosing based on their own idiosyncratic taste. Winning comes down to a judge's experience—and luck.

What is the writer to do, then? Submit your piece, pray it wins, and then go write your next story (and find a new contest to submit to). Nothing else can be done for a creative writing competition.

This is why winning—although ideal (it comes with cash prizes or an honorable mention)—isn't the only reason you should enter a writing contest. There are other benefits like getting constructive feedback and giving yourself a time commitment that will motivate you to finish writing your story.

In a real life writing career, you have to keep writing and submitting based on the guidelines. A contest is great practice.

2. Your main character must be fascinating

What fascinates humans the most is contrast.

Light vs. Darkness. Good vs. evil. A good character trait for a hero battling the evil in the world. A normal person battling the evil inside themselves. An evil person drawn, despite themselves, to a moment of goodness.

Life vs. death. A woman's struggle against cancer, against a villain that wants to kill her, against the deathly banality of modern life.

Love vs. loss.

Neat vs. messy.

Contrast fascinates readers. Does your main character have contrast? If you want to win a writing contest, they should.

3. Surprise endings

I love surprise endings. All judges do. However, I hate out of the blue endings.

A good surprise ending can be predicted from the very beginning, but the author skillfully distracts you so that you never expect it (the traditional method of distracting the reader is to use red herrings ).

Bad writing is creating a surprise ending that cannot be predicted and feels like the writer is simply trying to give the reader something they would never expect.

Instead, surprise the reader. Don't make up the most shocking ending without providing the clues to this ending earlier in the story.

4. Repeat with a twist

In the last few lines of your story, repeat something from earlier in the story with a twist. This echoed ending will reverberate with your reader giving closure and emotional power.

For example, you might repeat the opening image . If the snow is falling in the first lines of the story, you might say, “As night closed, the snow continued to fall. He thought it would fall for all his life.”

You might repeat an action . If your character is eating at a diner with his wife in the first scene, perhaps in the last scene he is eating alone at the same diner all alone.

You might repeat a character . If your heroine has a meet-cute with an attractive man early in the story, you can end the story with him unexpectedly showing up at her workplace.

Repeating with a twist gives your ending an artful sense of unity. It's also really fun!

5. Write what you know (even if what you know never happened)

In one writing contest, I read a story written by a Brazilian writer about American kids driving around, eating hamburgers, and going to prep school.

“Write what you know,” I wrote to her over email. “I'm sure there are fascinating stories where you live. But don't regurgitate stories you see on American television. You will never know that world as deeply as you know your own.”

On the other hand, Ursula Le Guin said this about the advice to write what you know :

I think it’s a very good rule and have always obeyed it. I write about imaginary countries, alien societies on other planets, dragons, wizards, the Napa Valley in 22002. I know these things. I know them better than anybody else possibly could, so it’s my duty to testify about them.

How to (Really) Win a Writing Contest

There is, of course, no guaranteed way to win a writing contest. All you can do is write your best piece, follow the contest rules and submit. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts.

All that's to say, don't over think this.

If You Want a Little More Help…

In case you're feeling stuck, we offer a free guide to help you come up with better short story ideas, and thus have a better shot at winning writing contests.

You're welcome to download the guide, for free, here:

Click here to get 10 Questions for Better Story Ideas free »

I hope you enjoy the guide, and most of all, I hope you write some really great stories.

Want more tips? Here are a few good resources:

Upcoming Writing Contests from The Write Practice
Ten Secrets To Write Better Stories
How to Write a Short Story With Deep Structure (And Win a Prize for It)
How do contest judges pick the winners?
20 Tips For Winning Writing Contests

Have you ever entered a writing contest? How did it go? Let us know in the comments section .

As you prepare for your next writing contest, get a free copy of our 1-page guide, 10 Questions for Better Story Ideas here »

Spend fifteen minutes creating two characters with high contrast (see Tip #2). Write one paragraph describing the first character and another paragraph describing the second.

Then, post your two paragraphs in the Pro Practice Workshop . And if you do post, please be sure to give feedback to your fellow writers.

Have fun and happy writing!

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

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Work with Joe Bunting?

WSJ Bestselling author, founder of The Write Practice, and book coach with 14+ years experience. Joe Bunting specializes in working with Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, How To, Literary Fiction, Memoir, Mystery, Nonfiction, Science Fiction, and Self Help books. Sound like a good fit for you?

33 Comments

I haven’t entered many contests before but am trying for the flavor of the month contest on unigo. I am stuck with finding a unique and captivating story idea because it has to be under 250 words.

To win? Yes that is a goal. However, more than that I would absolutely love feedback from the judges. That was one thing that as a swim referree I ALWAYS had to do. If I disqualified a swimmers race, I absolutely had to talk to the swimmer and explain why I called what I called.

I miss that here. I get great feedback from the group, but I would love to hear why my story fell in the place it fell. It’s ok, if it lost the toin coss … uh … coin toss. That means it was close and the next time it might be me. However, if I have a writing habit that will always get my story tossed in the round file, I want to know that, even more so.

I do appreciate always getting published, but I’d love to see the judges crib notes on my submittals.

thank you so much I just got an idea how to end my story while reading this. concerning writing contest to be honest I never did the how to loose rules but didn’t do the how to win either so I need to work on that. thank you again

I’ve never entered a writing contest. One reason is that I haven’t really researched writing contests. I assume that most contests are not in my genre like sci-fi or horror. I guess that’s what make them “Creative Writing” contests. The overlying reason, however, is fear of rejection, and I’ve never submitted anything. When I read literary magazines, I get so envious o what others write, I doubt myself as a writer. I get everyone has their own style and voice. I guess I’m not confident in myself to enter a contest.

I can relate to everything you’re saying here. I entered the Becoming Writer contest (associated with this blog) because the email came to my inbox and it includes 6 weeks access to the critique group forum. (I promise I’m getting no kickback for plugging their contest.)

I haven’t submitted my story yet. They’re not due until the 20th, and we get to workshop them first. I’ll be posting it for feedback today. We’ll see how it goes.

I’ve never entered a competition before, until the short story one you have going now. I’ve written for myself all along though and only in the last year or so have thought of publishing. I love the fact that we can all have critique and be published, no matter who wins. I have no allusions as to winning though, as you say, writing is very subjective so you never know. Not all subject matter is everyone’s ‘cup of tea’

Thanks for all the tips…. Though I’ve written my short story and put it on the site and can’t see any major changes I will make. Next time…….

The United Authors Association has one going this summer. Any genre. Prizes totaling $500. Visit http://www.TheUAA.ORG if you are interested.

Thanks Robert.

I’m doing the Becoming Writer contest largely because I got the email in my inbox. And because it includes 6 weeks access to the critique group forum. I’m more interested in trying out the community, but the contest will be fun too.

Very cool Ric. Have fun!

What’s interesting to me is that I have just signed up for entering this contest. I had mentioned to Joe that I’m so so scared and I am. But, I believe that it’s normal to be scared sometimes and admit this. As long as you confront the fear. At my age, I’ll always remember what Roosevelt said. The only fear that you have is fear itself. KEN Thanks again, JOE

Honestly, I get scared about this kind of thing all the time. The fear tells me it’s important.

The fear is the reason to write even more.Love the quote,it inspires me too!!

I’ve been meaning to do another round of submissions, so this was the kick in the pants I needed! I entered a flash fiction contest run by Tethered By Letters. They had an option for 3 submissions, so I did that.

It always makes me feel vulnerable to enter contests, or to post my writing at all. But being a member of Becoming Writer and having my own blog have helped.

Good luck to all entering the latest BW contest!

Hi..wonderful post,Joe…In fact,speaking for myself,i would not think about writing contests till now..for i have often felt that submitting my pieces of writing would halt the process of my writing projects…but every writer deserves a break–to overcome their writer’s block…For me,the deviation is these opportunities that come by my way.I have submitted my work for some anthologies and have enjoyed the process despite fruitless results.We just need to continue believing in our stories and keep writing!!!

Cheers, Jassie

OKay, Joe, I have emailed you a time or two and I have a story to go. I had the story ready a few hours after paying the fee for the contest.

However, I have been unable to upload to the forum or find a way to get feedback. I have not received an invite and the clock ticks. I request some assistance.

Practice, practice and even more practice. If you are not a wonderkid of some sort you can never expect to excel at anything without a lot of work. Use Help from outsources and from the friends. And start practicing!)

I’ve entered a few writing contests, and I value them the most because of what they teach you. The ones requiring a synopsis have taught me how to format a synopsis and recognize the core points of my plots, and contests with short word count limits taught me how to chop down my writing to what really matters. That’s more important to me than winning anything immediately. It definitely helps writers advance long-term, whether they win or not.

Ya I agree. It’s really annoying when a writing contests is so huge and there are so many people joining it, that I don’t even know if my story will get read. It would actually be nice to get feedback even if I didn’t win, ya know? But I heard from a friend about a writing contest that has limited entry. They only allow 100 people in the contest so that people have a better chance of winning and you get feedback, even if you don’t win. Do you think they’re legit?

:/ I can never find any fantasy novel writing contests most of them are everything else and almost always for novelettes, short stories or poems. XP Except for Wattpad, that’s over now to. (Lost.)

I lost the Wattpad, Wattys 2016 so after eating much chocolate I’m trying to figure out why. I didn’t make any of the mistakes listed here. So, now what? Does my writing just plain suck donkey flop? *Sigh*

I wouldn’t look at it like that. Losing definitely doesn’t mean you’re a bad writer. Instead, get to work on your next story (and your next contest), and use what you learned from the last to practice for the next one. It’s less about winning and losing and more about getting better as a writer.

(Try #2, fixing typos.)

Okay I will ^;^ What also made it hard what that they also to the number of reads, comments and votes into account so I guess that had a part in it too. They said that it wouldn’t decide if a book won or not, but I’m thinking that that stuff plays a bigger part than they are letting on.Ooh well, I joined to get help with my writing and get feedback, so it’s all good.

Yes, I want to grow and get better at this.

I’ll just wait for next years Wattys; when it comes to contests most just want short stories. I don’t know how to do those yet. Or even worse are a scam. ;-; No thanks, I don’t need that kind of a headache.

(Try #3 fixing typos, I’m not that great at typing comments for some reason.)

Okay, I will ^;^ What also made it hard was that they also take into account the number of reads, comments and votes a book has. Mine only had 14k reads when the ones that won have millions. X.X They said that you could still win even if you don’t have many reads and such, but I’m thinking that that stuff plays a bigger part than they are letting on. Oh well, I joined to get help with my writing and get feedback, so it’s all good.

And thanks for replying. ^^

Agree with everything you said here. And you’re right about twists. They must be set up properly, and not just done out of the blue for shock value. I’d also like to say that your advice here is good for all submissions, not just contests. Great post!

Could this be anymore blatant clickbait? Claims to be about advice for winning contests, instead lists obvious do not points then says “git gud go write”

Every time I open “Upcoming Writing Contests,” I get this message: “This site is not private. Someone may be trying to hack into …” I don’t get this message for the other 4 links, only for the list of contests. Is this happening to others?

The best advice I’ve ever had is to write what I know. I once tried to write a story pretending I lived in a town in America. I got it all wrong; descriptions of people, their clothing, dialogue, descriptions of the street, bars, diners. Everything. Then I was stuck. I won’t try writing about being in line at Starbucks. I’ve never been to Starbucks and don’t know a thing about it, except that they serve coffee. Anything that is fantasy is easier for me because I have a gift for creating fantasy, of places and happenings which no one has ever seen. I must strive to be convincing and make the story unputdownable. Joe, I’m at a stage where I don’t dream of being a winner. I want to participate, have somebody read my story and give feedback, and read stories members submit for the contest. Sorry that I’m not active on TWP as much as I’d like to be, but I have a time limit now due to health issues. Cheers everybody. Happy writing.

Not sure if I should ask this, but since I´m not an English native can I send a copy of my work to any contest? If so, one of my works are not done yet.

I am working on a story for a while for a contest this helped a lot but can you give me a list of what they look for?

this is the very first time,I’ve ever gotten the gallantry to actually press the dreaded submit button for a writing contest without the wrath of inhibition drown me in regret of what could have been ! honestly, i have never been more relieved, then i have today! thank you for the amazing pointers , they have been put into action, i hope!

and now, i shall wait heh

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300 Fun Writing Prompts for Kids: Story Starters, Journal Prompts & Ideas

Are you a parent or teacher? Here are 300 fun and creative writing prompts for kids to spark the imagination of young writers everywhere. Use these kids writing ideas as journaling prompts, story starters or just for fun!

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It’s never too early to start writing, and so we’ve created this fun list of 300 creative kids writing prompts for teacher and parents to use.

You’ll love these fun ideas for kids writing prompts to use as creative sparks to get young imaginations writing in no time!

These are perfect to use as kids journal writing prompts, as short story writing prompts, or just for exercises to help students and children of all ages tap into their creativity. Maybe your kids will write an essay, maybe a poem, or maybe even a whole book!

Whether you are a teacher or parent looking to inspire your kids to write, or maybe even an adult who would like to practice writing with a more playful and young-hearted approach, I hope you find these creative writing prompts inspiring!

Buy the Printable Cards! We will always have this list of 300 kids writing prompts available for free, but I’m very excited to now also offer an ad-free printable version of these prompts in my online Etsy shop. Thank you for your support!

The Ultimate List of 300 Fun & Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

#1. Imagine a giant box is delivered to your front doorstep with your name on it. What’s inside and what happens when you open it?

#2. Write a short story about what it might be like if you woke up one morning with a mermaid tail.

#3. Which is better, winter or summer? Write about the reasons why you think winter or summer is better.

#4. Write about what would it be like if you had an alligator as a pet.

#5. If you had $1,000, what would you buy and why?

#6. Write a story using these 5 words: apple, train, elephant, paper, banjo

#7. What do you want be when you grow up and why?

#8. Who is your favorite person on the planet? What do you like most about that person?

#9. If you could have any secret super power, what would you want it to be and why?

#10. Write about 3 places you would like to travel someday. What do these three places have in common?

#11. Write about a time you felt really happy. What happened? What made you feel happy?

#12. Imagine what would happen if someone shrunk you down to be only 1″ tall. How would your life change?

#13. If you were in charge of the whole world, what would you do to make the world a happier place?

#14. Write a story about what it would be like to climb to the very top of the highest mountain in the world.

#15. If you were in charge of planning the school lunch menu, what foods would you serve each day?

#16. What are some of your favorite animals? What do you like about them?

#17. Imagine that dogs take over the world. What do they make the humans do?

#18. Write a story about flying to outer space and discovering a new planet.

#19. You are a mad scientist and have invented a new vegetable. What is it called? What does it look like? What does it taste like? Most importantly: Is it safe to eat?

#20. You go to school one morning to discover your best friend has been turned into a frog by an evil witch! How do you help your friend?

#21. Describe what it is like when trees lose all of their leaves in the autumn season.

#22. Write about your favorite sport and why you like it so much.

#23. Imagine what it might be like to live on a boat all the time and write about it.

#24. If you had one wish, what would it be?

#25. Write about what you might do if you have the super power to become invisible.

#26. You are walking through the forest when one of the trees starts talking to you. What does it say? What do you do?

#27. The weather forecast is calling for a blizzard in the middle of the summer. What do you do?

#28. What types of transportation will people have in the future?

#29. What were some of your favorite toys when you very little? Do you still enjoy playing with them?

#30. What would a day in your life be like if you were a movie star?

#31. Imagine you’ve invented a time machine! What year do you travel to?

#32. What are your favorite things to do over summer vacation?

#33. What is your favorite holiday and why?

#34. If you could meet any fictional character from a book, who would it be?

#35. You are writing a travel guide for kids visiting your city. What places do you think they should visit?

#36. What is a food you hate? Write about it!

#37. Imagine what it would be like if there was no electricity. What would be different in your daily routine?

#38. You are building a new city! What types of things do you think your city needs? How will you convince people to move to your new city?

#39. What is your favorite movie? Write your review of the movie and why you think people should watch it.

#40. Imagine you get a magic sweater for your birthday. What happens when you wear the sweater? What do you do with these new found magical powers?

#41. You are the security guard at the zoo and someone has stolen a rhinoceros! How do you track down the thief?

#42. You have been invited to have lunch with the queen. What foods do you eat and what topics do you and the queen discuss?

#43. If you could design a school uniform, what types of clothes would you suggest? What colors would they be?

#44. Imagine you are a reporter interviewing a celebrity about their life. What questions do you ask?

#45. You are running a lemonade stand. Describe the steps for how you make lemonade and the types of customers you see during the day.

#46. Write a story about being the ruler of an underwater world.

#47. Write an acrostic poem for the word “treehouse”.

#48. You decide to grow a sunflower, but the sunflower grows so tall it reaches up to the sky! Write about what happens when you decide to climb to the top. What do you discover?

#49. Imagine you look out the window and it is raining popsicles from the sky! Write a story about the experience.

#50. If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?

#51. If you were on a spaceship, what would you be most excited about seeing?

#52. Do you have any pets at home? Write an essay about how you take care of your pets. If you do not have a pet, what type of pet might you like?

#53. Imagine you are opening a store that only sells items which are blue. What types of items do you sell?

#54. Have you ever lost something that is important to you? Were you able to find it?

#55. Write a story about a kid who is moving to a new school. How do you think they might feel?

#56. Rewrite the ending of your favorite fairy tale. For example, what would have happened if Cinderella never went to the ball?

#57. Have you ever forgotten to do your homework? What happened?

#58. Do you have a favorite song? Write about the type of music you like to listen to.

#59. Imagine your parents wake you up one morning to tell you they will take you to do anything you want to do for the whole day – you don’t even have to go to school or do your chores. What would you choose to do and why?

#60. Do you like amusement parks? What are some of your favorite rides?

#61. Write a story using these three words: detective, piano, and pizza.

#62. Have you ever been to the beach? Write about your favorite things to do. If you have never been to the beach, what would you like to do the first time you visit?

#63. Is there a favorite tv show you like to watch? Write about your favorite character and why they are your favorite.

#64. Write a poem using onomatopoeia , where the words you use are pronounced similar to the sound they make. For example, buzz, bark, sizzle, slam and pop.

#65. Have you ever had to stand in line to wait a long time for something? What did you do while you waited? How did you feel while waiting? How did you feel once the wait was over?

#66. Is it a good idea to keep ALL secrets a secret? Write about examples of when it is okay to spill a secret – and when it isn’t.

#67. Is there something you are good at doing? Write about your best strengths.

#68. What historical time period and location would you go back to live in if you could? Write about it!

#69. Write about 5 things you can do that are important for you to stay healthy and safe.

#70. Do you think thunderstorms are scary? Why or why not?

#71. What would you most like to learn over the next year? Think about things that interest you or questions you might have about the world and make a list!

#72. You are going on a trip to a jungle safari! What items do you pack in your suitcase?

#73. Imagine you are sitting at home one day and you hear someone shrieking in the living room they see a mouse in the house! Write a story about what might happen next.

#74. You are writing a letter to someone who is having a hard time making new friends at school. What do you write? What advice do you give them?

#75. Imagine you just met a magician – but their beloved rabbit who they pull out of a hat for all the tricks has been kidnapped! How do you help find the rabbit?

#76. Do you hear what I hear? Set a timer for 5 minutes and write about all of the sounds you hear in those 5 minutes.

#77. Imagine you go to get a haircut and they accidentally shave your head! How do you feel about that and what would you do?

#78. Do you find it easy to talk to people you don’t know? What are some ways you can start up a conversation with someone you have never met before?

#79. Are there any chores you have to do at home? What are they? What do you like – and not like – about each one?

#80. Open up a random book to any page. Write for 5 minutes about the first word you read.

#81. Pretend you are a writer for your city’s newspaper. Who would you like to interview for a news story and why?

#82. There are many fictional characters who live in unusual houses, such as the old woman who lived in a shoe. What kind of unusual house would you like to live in? Write about what it would be like to live in an unusual house!

#83. Write a list of 10 things you can do to practice kindness to others.

#84. Is there a homework subject you dread? Why do you not like getting homework in that subject?

#85. What is your favorite month of the year? Write about why you like it and some of your favorite things to do during that month.

#86. Imagine you are planning a surprise birthday party for someone. How do you keep it a surprise?

#87. Pretend you walked outside to find a sleeping dragon in the grass! Why is the dragon there? Is it a friendly dragon? What do you do? Write about it!

#88. What are you grateful for today and why?

#89. You were on your way to a very important event when you fell into a puddle. Now what?

#90. Have you ever watched a movie and didn’t like how it ended? Write what you think should happen instead.

#91. Can you answer this riddle from Alice in Wonderland ? How is a raven like a writing desk?

#92. Imagine you are the captain of a pirate ship. Write a diary entry for what your day was like.

#93. If you could start any type of business, what kind of business would you start? What types of products or services would you provide?

#94. Write a sequel to one of your favorite fairy tales. For example, what was Goldilocks’s next adventure after she left the bears?

#95. What is something you are afraid of? What helps you to feel less afraid of something? What would you say to a friend who feels scared to help them feel less afraid?

#96. Write a letter to your future self in 20 years.

#97. In addition to basic survival needs such as food, water, air and shelter, what are 3 things you would you need to be happy?

#98. If you could invent a robot of any type who could do anything you imagine, what types of things would you would have the robot to do?

#99. Which do like better? Apples or Oranges? How are they alike? How are they different?

#100. Why did the chicken cross the road? You are a detective and are assigned to the case. How do solve the mystery?

#101. Write instructions for how to make your favorite snack. Be sure you add your favorite tips and suggestions for how to select the best ingredients!

#102. Imagine you borrowed a friend’s favorite lucky pencil to help you pass a math test – but then it snapped in half! How will you ever tell the news to your friend?

#103. Look around the current room you are sitting in and choose 3 random objects that are nearby. Now write a story or poem that includes those three items!

#104. Write a letter to the author of a book you recently read and tell them what you liked most about the book.

#105. Ernest Hemingway is famous for writing a six word story. Can you write a story in just 6 words?

#106. What do you think will be the future for cell phones? Will people still use them in 25 years or will something else take its place?

#107. Do you want to go to college? Why or why not?

#108. Write a story or poem about a kitten who wanders off and gets lost. How does the kitten find its way home?

#109. Currently, it is required by law that kids go to school. Do you think this is a good or bad idea?

#110. If you could invent a new board game, what would it be called? How is it played? What are the rules? What makes it fun to play? Write about it!

#111. Imagine you come home to discover your entire bedroom is covered in ketchup! What on earth happened? What is your reaction? How do you clean everything up?

#112. What is something you learned today?

#113. Would you rather have a goldfish or shark as a pet?

#114. From A-Z: make a list of something for every letter of the alphabet.

#115. Have you ever gone fishing? If you have, did you like it? Why or why not? If you haven’t, do you think you might want to?

#116. What is one of the most important things you do each and every day?

#117. Write a story about Gretchen the Grouch, a girl who is always angry! Will she ever be happy? Why is she so grumpy all of the time?

#118. How do you feel when someone takes something of yours without asking? What is a good way to deal with it when that happens?

#119. Write a poem that starts with the word “if”.

#120. Write a story about a family of rabbits who live in the woods. What are some of the challenges they face?

#121. What clothes do you think are the most comfortable? What kind of clothes do you like to wear the most? What clothes do you NOT like to wear?

#122. Imagine there are no grocery stores and you must get your own food. What are some of the ways you find food? What types of things do you eat?

#123. What are 3 things you can do that are good for the environment?

#124. If you could meet any famous person today, who would you want to meet and why? What questions might you ask them?

#125. A tongue twister is a quick poem where many of the words start with the same letter and are similar in sound. For example, “Peter picked a peck of pickled peppers.” Try writing your own with this fun kids writing prompt!

#126. What is the first thing you think of when you hear or see the word green?

#127. A hero is someone who is admired for their courage and achievements. What do you think makes someone a hero? Who are some of your heroes?

#128. What did you do during summer vacation last year? What do you want to do for summer vacation this year?

#129. Write a story about a super hero dog who saves the day! Who does the dog help and why?

#130. Would you rather live somewhere that is always cold, or somewhere that is always hot? Write about which one you would rather choose.

#131. Have you ever volunteered to help a charity? If so, write about the experience! If not, what are some charities you think you might like to volunteer for?

#132. What does the word courage mean to you?

#133. What makes you unique? What are some things about you that make you an individual?

#134. Have you ever been to a museum? What is your favorite thing to look at on display?

#135. What can you do to set a good example for others to be kind?

#136. A Tall Tale is a story that exaggerates something that actually happened. Write a tall tale about something that recently happened to you.

#137. What is one of your favorite toys that you think you might still want to have and play with when you are 22 years old?

#138. Oh no! Everyone around you is sick with a nasty cold! Write a silly poem about how you try to avoid catching their germs!

#139. Personification is when a non-living object takes on human characteristics. Write a story where you personify a common electronic gadget in your house, such as the Television or toaster.

#140. Write a poem using similes, which is when you say an object is like something else. Here is an example of a simile: “Her eyes were as blue as the sky.”

#141. Have you ever read a book written by Dr. Suess? Write your own “Suess-style” story, complete with rhymes and made up words.

#142. Do you have any siblings? Think about what it might mean to be a good brother or sister and write about it!

#143. Make a list of questions to interview your parents or grandparents about what it was like when they were growing up as a kid. Then, ask them the questions and write about their answers!

#144. You are in charge of writing a new radio show just for kids! What topics will you talk about? What music do you play?

#145. What do you usually eat for breakfast every day? What, in your opinion, is the greatest breakfast food ever created? What makes it so great?

#146. Write a 12 line poem where every line is about a different month of the year.

#147. What is something you look forward to doing the most when you are an adult?

Use these prompts in your classroom! Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to inspire your students to write! Thank you for your support!

#148. Do you like to try new things? What is something new you have tried recently or would like to try?

#149. Imagine what it might be like to be alive in Egypt when the pyramids were built. Write about what it was like.

#150. A credo is a statement of personal beliefs. Try writing your own credo for things that you believe in and feel are important.

#151. The circus has come to town but they have no place to perform! How do you help the ringmaster find a place to put on a show?

#152. Do you like to act? What are some of your favorite actors or actresses? What do you think makes someone a good actor or actress?

#153. “Practice makes perfect” is a popular saying. What is something you like to practice so you can become better at it? A sport? A musical instrument? A special skill? Do you like to practice?

#154. Write about what it might be like to be water drops freezing and turning into ice.

#155. Do you think it is important to keep your room clean? What do you like about having a clean room?

#156. Imagine your parents are sending you away for a two week summer camp trip. Would you be excited? Why or why not?

#157. What are you currently learning about in history class? Write a fictional story about someone from the past you are learning about.

#158. Many wars have been fought in the past. Instead of going to war, what do you think countries could do to resolve their differences peacefully?

#159. Every year over 8 billion plastic bottles and cans are thrown away. What are some things you can do to help encourage your family and friends to recycle?

#160. Imagine if you were the principal of the school. What might you do differently? What things would you do that are the same? Write about it!

#161. Pretend that one day you are at your neighbor’s house and you notice a strange noise coming from the basement. You go downstairs to investigate to see a large machine running with many lights and buttons. Why is it there?

#162. Write an essay that starts with the line, “Tomorrow, I hope…”

#163. If you could give one thing to every child in the world, what would you want to give them?

#164. Do you have a piggy bank at home? How do you earn money to add to your savings?

#165. What qualities make a house a home? What are 3 things you think every house should have?

#166. Would you rather go scuba diving or rock climbing? Write about which one you think you would like to do more and why.

#167. Do you think it is a good idea for kids to write a daily journal? What are some of the benefits of writing every day?

#168. Do you like watching fireworks or are they too noisy? Write about a time when you saw fireworks in the sky.

#169. Oh no! Your friend has turned into a statue! How did this happen? What do you do? Does your friend ever turn back into a person again?

#170. If you could be any movie character, who would you be and why?

#171. A mysterious message appears in code on your computer screen. What could it mean?

#172. If you could go to work with one of your parents for a day, what do you think the day would be like? What types of things do your parents do at work all day long?

#173. Imagine you are the President and you are creating a new national holiday. What is your holiday about? How is it celebrated? What day of the year do you celebrate? Write about it!

#174. You won a never-ending lifetime supply of spaghetti noodles! What will you do with all of these noodles?

#175. Would you rather be a bunny rabbit or a hawk? Why did you choose the one you chose?

#176. Your teacher has been acting mysterious lately. After school one day, you notice a weird green light shining through underneath the door of your classroom. What do you do? What is happening with your teacher?

#177. Write an article about tips for how kids can be more organized and study well for tests.

#178. Look at any product in your house and read the ingredients labels. Research what each ingredient is. Do you think these ingredients are good or bad for people?

#179. If you were a doctor, what do you think would be the most important part of your job every day?

#180. The school librarian needs your help! A truck just arrived with 2,000 books and she can’t fit all the books onto the shelves! What do you do? How do you find a place to put all these books?

#181. Do you think it would be fun to plant a garden? What types of plants would you want to grow? Write about your garden ideas.

#182. What is a sport or activity you would like to try playing for the first time?

#183. Do you think kids should be allowed to do the same things as adults? What things do you think kids should be able to do that only grown-ups can?

#184. Imagine you and your parents switch places for a day. Your parents are the kids and you are now in charge! What would you do?

#185. Write a get-well letter to someone who has been sick. What can you say to make them feel better?

#186. If you could visit any planet in the solar system, which planet would you like to visit the most and why? Write about what it might be like.

#187. Have you ever been to a farm? What did you like about it? If you haven’t been to a farm, do you think you might like to visit one? Why or why not?

#188. The mayor of the city has a big problem and needs your help! What is the problem and how will you solve it?

#189. Pretend your little sister ate carrots for dinner and the next morning woke up with rabbit ears! How did this happen? What do you do? Will she be a rabbit forever?

#190. Imagine you wake up in the morning to find out you get to relive any day of your life again for the whole day. What day would you want to experience again and why?

#191. Do you think you might like to be a firefighter? Why or why not?

#192. You are a lawyer and your client has been accused of stealing a car. How do you convince the jury your client is innocent?

#193. Think of the four elements: fire, air, earth, and water. Which of these four elements do you like the best?

#194. What would you do if you could be invisible for a whole day? Do you think you would enjoy it or be glad to be back to normal the next day? Write about it!

#195. Imagine you are a meteorologist and people are starting to get angry that your weather predictions are always wrong. What do you do?

#196. If you could create any law, what would it be? Why do you think the law is an important one to have?

#197. You are going incognito and need to hide to your identity so you aren’t recognized or discovered while you walk through the city. What type of disguise do you wear?

#198. Write a persuasive letter to your parents explaining why you should get a new pet. Make sure you provide a convincing argument they won’t be able to refuse!

#199. Your friend wants to do something dangerous. What should you do?

#200. How do you think the world would be different if there were no oceans?

#201. What do you do when someone disagrees with your opinions? Is there a better way to handle conflicting opinions?

#202. What do you think you as a kid could do to help encourage more people to read?

#203. Do you have a good luck charm? What makes this item lucky? When do you use it? How do you use it?

#204. What is at the end of a rainbow? Imagine you follow a rainbow to the end. What do you discover? Is it a pot of gold, or something else?

Use these prompts in your classroom! Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to inspire your students to write! Thank you for your support!

#205. What do you think the consequences should be for someone who is caught cheating on a test at school?

#206. Imagine you are riding your bike one day when you encounter an older kid who wants to steal your bike. What do you do?

#207. You are the lead singer and star of a famous rock and roll band, but there is one problem – your drummer is jealous of your fame! How do you solve this situation?

#208. If you could help a group of kids in any part of the world, what kids would you want to help the most and why? What are some things you think would help these kids?

#209. Everyone knows the house on the end of the street is haunted. What are some of the strange things that happen there? Why is the house haunted?

#210. You notice at school one day there is a door to a secret passage next to the janitor’s closet and decide to explore. Where does it lead? Why is it there? Do you go alone or bring a friend along?

#211. A bucket list is a list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime. What are 5 things on your bucket list?

#212. Imagine the perfect treehouse or clubhouse for you and all of your friends as a place to hang out. Describe what it is like inside.

#213. Do you get bored easily? Make a list of things you can do whenever you feel like you are bored and there is nothing fun to do!

#214. Now vs. Then: Think about how today is different from one year ago. How have you changed? What things in your life are different?

#215. Write your autobiography about your life.

#216. It’s a heat wave! What do you do when the weather is hot? What are some of your favorite ways to stay cool?

#217. What are three important safety tips every kid should know to stay safe?

#218. What genre of books do you like to read the most? Write about the characteristics of the genre and list some of your favorite books as examples.

#219. Holiday Traditions: How does your family celebrate the different holidays and events? What are some traditions you do each and every year?

#220. Imagine one day in science class a science experiment goes terribly wrong and now you and all of your classmates have superpowers! What are your superpowers and what do you do with them?

#221. Who is favorite teacher? Why are they your favorite?

#222. You are baking a cake, but you accidentally put salt in the cake instead of sugar. Nobody will eat it! How do you feel? What will you do next time?

#223. Do you think it is important to have good table manners? What do you think some good manners to practice might be?

#224. Many schools no longer teach cursive handwriting. Do you think this is a good or bad thing? Do you know how to write cursive handwriting? Would you like to learn if you haven’t?

#225. If you were the owner of a theme park, what types of rides and attractions would have? Describe what they would be like and why people would want to visit your park.

#226. Your parents give you $100 to spend at the grocery store. What do you buy and why?

#227. Some people who are alive today grew up without computers or video games. What would you do if you didn’t have a computer or video games? How would life be different?

#228. You walk into your living room and discover there is a giant elephant standing there. How did the elephant get there? What do you do about it? How do you explain the elephant in the living room to your parents?

#229. Have you ever had a weird dream? What happened in the dream? What do you think it means?

#230. Do you like to draw or paint? Write a story inspired by a painting, doodle, or sketch.

#231. You are being sent on a mission to outer space to live in a space station for 5 years. What supplies do you pack and why?

#232. What is the scariest creature alive on earth? Describe in detail what makes it so horrifying.

#233. What do you think your pet might say if they could talk to you?

#234. Imagine your school is putting on a talent show. What act will you perform? What other acts will be in the show?

#235. If you could breathe under water, what would you do?

#236. What time of day do you think school should start? Write a convincing argument on why or why not the time of day school starts should change.

#237. If you were to start your own YouTube video channel, what would the videos on your channel be about?

#238. Do you like to cook? What are some things you like to make and eat?

#239. Your school is having a field day and you are in charge of planning the activities and games. What types of activities and games would you plan for the event?

#240. If you had a remote control drone that takes video of everything it sees from the sky and you could take it anywhere, what would you film? For example, the inside of a volcano or soar it over the plains of Africa.

#241. The Bermuda Triangle is an area of the ocean where many ships and planes have gone missing. Why do you think this could be? Write a story about what it might be like to travel there.

#242. There are 7 great wonders of the world – which one do you think is the most wonderful?

#243. If you could speak any foreign language fluently, which one would you like to speak and why?

#244. You are inventing a new flavor of ice cream! What is the new flavor called and what ingredients do you need to make it?

#245. Would you rather go to a baseball game or read a good book? What reasons do you have for your choice?

#246. You walk outside to get your mail and your mailbox starts talking to you! What does your mailbox have to say?

#247. Imagine you are a famous person. What are you most famous for? What is it like to be famous?

#248. What do you think would be the most fun job in the world to have? Give examples of why you think it would be a fun job to have.

#249. Write a poem about an object that is shiny and dazzling.

#250. Do you like to watch the Olympics? Why or why not? If yes, what is your favorite Olympic sport?

#251. What kind of car do you want to drive when you are older? Do you think learning to drive will be easy or hard?

#252. What do you think would make for a great gift to give someone on their birthday?

#253. Describe a time when you needed help and someone helped you. What did they help you with and how did it make you feel?

#254. If you could be any type of fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

Love these prompts? Get the ad-free printable version of these prompts to use at home or in the classroom!

#255. Do you think it is more important to have a good imagination or have all the facts proven?

#256. Do you have a favorite aunt, uncle, or another relative? Write a story about their life and why you like to be with them.

#257. Think of a time you laughed really, really hard. What was so funny? Why were you laughing? Write about it!

#258. Write a poem about an emotion. For example: happy, sad, angry, embarrassed, guilty.

#259. Do you ever have a hard time falling asleep? What are some things that help you feel sleepy?

#260. If you could drive a car, where would you drive and why?

#261. Imagine you are trading places with your friend for a day. What will it be like to be at their house? What will your friend think while they are at your house? Write about it!

#262. If you could break a world record, what would it be? What do you think would be necessary to be able to break the world record?

#263. Imagine you live in Colonial times. What would it be like to grow up as a kid in Colonial America?

#264. You are building a new city. What is the name of your city? What is the weather like? What buildings will you build?

#265. What do you think it would be like to work as a sailor on big ship in the ocean each day?

#266. Imagine you are the teacher for the day. What types of activities do you make the students in the class do?

#267. How would you feel if your parents told you that you would be getting a new baby brother or sister? Write about it!

#268. Do you know any good jokes? What are some of your favorite jokes? What makes them funny? Do you think you could write your own?

#269. Imagine you are floating down a river on a raft. What types of things can you see from the river that you normally wouldn’t see from the land?

#270. You want to start a new hobby collecting something. What kinds of things would you collect and why?

#271. Your mom announces she is having a yard sale. Would you let her sell any of your things? Why or why not?

#272. Imagine you walk out your front door one morning and it is raining popcorn! What do you do?

#273. You are camping in the woods one night and hear a scary noise. What do you do? What might be the cause?

#274. What do you think might make kids really happy to go to school? What are some things you think schools should do so that it could be more fun?

#275. Today’s lunch at the cafeteria was unusually horrible. You are a detective on the case to investigate. What do you think is the cause?

#276. If you had a tree that grows money, what would you do?

#277. What would you do if you had a unicorn as a pet?

#278. Would you rather go to the zoo or go to the aviary? Which one would you pick and why?

#279. What are some safety tips you should follow when riding a bike?

#280. You are designing the cover of a magazine. What are some of the headlines on the cover?

#281. Are you afraid of the dark? Why or why not?

#282. If you could learn to play any type of musical instrument, which one would you like to learn how to play and why?

#283. Imagine you are playing a sport that involves a ball, such as soccer, baseball or kickball. What would it be like if the ball could talk?

#284. You come home to discover a friendly alien has been living in your closet. What do you do? Why is there an alien in your closet?

#285. Is there something you are afraid of that you wish you weren’t afraid of? Write about it.

#286. Write about the best party you’ve ever been to. What made the day fun and special?

#287. What makes you feel loved and cared about? What are some ways people can show you that they love and care about you?

#288. There is a kite flying competition coming up and you are going to design your own kite. What will your kite look like? What colors will it be? Will it have any certain shape?

#289. You are given the challenge to drop an egg on the floor – without it breaking! What are some things you might try to make sure the egg won’t break?

#290. What are some of the things you can do every day to stay healthy?

#291. Do you think grown-ups are boring? Why do you think they are so boring all of the time? What is something fun that boring grown-ups could do instead of being so boring?

#292. Write a lyrical poem or song about what kids do while they are at school all day long.

#293. What are the first things you like to do when you are done with school each day? What are some of the activities you like when you are not at school?

#294. Imagine dinosaurs were still alive today. How do you think our lives would be different?

#295. Would you rather visit a volcano or a desert? Which one would you choose and why?

#296. Is there a sound you think is annoying? What types of sounds drive you crazy? Write about them!

#297. What do you think it would be like to be the size of an ant for a day? What types of things would you do?

Writing Prompt: What would it be like if your teddy bear came to life?

#298. Imagine one of your stuffed animals comes to life and starts talking to you. What types of things will you talk about? What will you do?

#299. What makes you feel happiest? Write about the things in life that make you feel happy!

#300. Imagine there is no gravity. What kind of things would you do you for fun? How would some of the things you already do for fun be different?

Parents and teachers, I hope you enjoyed these 300 writing prompts for kids and that you will use them to inspire your children’s creative imaginations.

These prompts of course can be used in a number of different ways and can be adapted for a variety of different styles of writing !

What do you think? Do you think these are good conversation and story starters for kids? Do you have any ideas for writing prompts you would like to share?

And of course, if you’d like to make it super fun and easy to use these prompts at home or in your classroom, be sure to get our ad-free printable version of these kids writing prompt cards now available in my Etsy shop.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on different creative writing ideas and topics for kids to write about! Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Chelle Stein wrote her first embarrassingly bad novel at the age of 14 and hasn't stopped writing since. As the founder of ThinkWritten, she enjoys encouraging writers and creatives of all types.

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The Absolute Best Creative Writing Topics for Kids!

Creative writing is a great way for children to express themselves using imagination. At Kids Play and Create, we value young writers, and we are constantly updating our list to bring you new, fun, and imaginative writing prompts for kids.

We have story starters, icebreakers, fiction writing prompts, and fun topics to inspire kids through writing. From young students to middle school students and even high school, we have great writing prompts for all writing styles and even the most reluctant writers.

Check the end of the article for updated Creative Writing Topics for Teens. Are you looking for Creative Writing topics for 1st grade and 2nd grade with free printables? We have that too!

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing can be used to explain many types of writing. It is a writing style that lets the writer express themselves. Some forms of creative writing entertain the reader, while others are therapeutic. Creative writing lets the writer use their imagination and takes the reader on a journey into their thoughts.

Is Creative Writing Important?

Creative writing is a great way to learn more about the children you work with. You can find out things about what they like and don’t like. Depending on the topic you choose, you can also find out things about their personality, what kind of friends they are, how they feel about themselves, and if they set goals and more.

How do you get kids to want to write without complaining? Give them fun topics that they will learn about themselves while writing. On this list, you will find various good topics for both younger and older children.

Creative Writing is fun for All Ages.

Creative writing isn’t just for older children. It can be for the little ones too. Young students as early as Preschool or Kindergarten may not have the ability to write but can express themselves through drawing.

Have young students concentrate less on the writing and more on drawing a picture that goes with the topic. Children are great at expressing themselves through art.

Awesome Creative Writing Prompts for Elementary Students

1. Have the children write on top of the page: I Am Special Because… This is a good topic to help children express themselves.

Examples of powers they can write about are flying, super speed, eye lasers, walking through walls, shooting ice, shooting fire, changing the weather, camouflage, shapeshifting (changing shape), and turning invisible.

When the writing activity is over, split the children into two teams, the superhero team and the villain team. Have them vs. each other in a game of tag. Who will champion the superheroes or the villains?

3. What do I want to be when I grow up and why?

This is a fun topic. Children can think about having anything in the world. Will they pick something like peace on earth or go the million-dollar route?

5. If I could invent a new animal, what animal would it be?

Have the children ask themselves the following questions: What does the animal look like (what color, is it big or small, is it a combination of two animals)? What sounds does the animal make? What does it eat? Where does it live? Describe the animal’s habitat.

Creative Writing Topics for Kids

6. If I could invent a new toy, what kind of toy would I create and why? Or, If I could improve a toy, which toy would I improve, and how would I make it better?

Talk to the children about the creative process: First, you come up with an idea, then you have to get it made.

Talk to the children about manufacturing toys.

Here are some questions you can ask the children about improving a toy. How do you want to make the toy better? Do you want to make the remote control car faster? Is the game challenging enough? Do you want your doll to have more features or do more?

You can ask the children these questions to get their brains thinking.

7. If I could make something disappear in my life, what would it be and why?

Ask the children if there is something in your life that makes them unhappy. Is there a problem you are having?

8 . All About me essay.

Some sample questions the children can ask are: What are my likes and dislikes?

What is my favorite subject in school? What do I want to be when I group up? Who is their favorite actress/actor? Where do they want to visit? They can name the people in their family, talk about any extracurricular activities they do, etc.

9 . In what ways do I help my family?

Have children write about the ways they help their families. Do you have chores? If so, what are they? Do you help your mom or dad cook? Do you talk out the garbage? Do you take care of your siblings? Do you have a job to help pay bills?

10. How can I be a better friend?

Have children think about what type of friends they are. Are they good listeners? Are you kind? Do you talk about your friends to other people? Have them think about how they would like to be treated by a friend, do they treat their friends the way they want to be treated?

The Best Creative Writing Topics for 4th and 5th grade

11. If you could be invisible, what would you do and why?

Have the children think about what it would be like to be invisible. Would they use this new power for good or would they try to do something bad?

12. What do you think about bullies and why?

Have the children define what a bully is to them in their paper. Do they think they are a bully? Do they think bullying is wrong? Remember, these are things the children are feeling, there are no wrong answers.

To them, the children with their writing ask them the following questions. What does it mean to be honest? Have you ever told a lie that turned into another lie?

14. What would you do if you won a million dollars?

This question is usually a favorite topic with the children. Ask them if they think one million dollars is a lot of money.

Depending on where you live, it might be just enough to buy a small house and a car. What are some things you would buy? Would you save some or spend it all?

15. If you could change the world, what would you do and why?

Would they change things, such as ending hate and violence in the world? Would they change things such as making gas or food free for everyone? You will get various answers, making this a fun and interesting topic.

Fun Writing Prompts Ideas

This is a fun topic for both younger and older children. Activity: Have the children draw their kingdom and a picture of them as king or queen

This topic is also great for older and younger children. While children love playing video games, they may not realize that they can make video games for a living.

Talk to the children about video game developers and the process of creating video games. Have them brainstorm ideas for games and find out what they can come up with.

18. Write about a time when you had to be brave, what did you do, and how did it make you feel?

19. Write about a trip to the moon, how you got there, what you saw, and whether it was fun or scary.

20. Write about something you are good at.

22. Write about a time when you worked hard to get something.

This can be a thing or an accomplishment, like making a team, finally getting that cartwheel, or passing a test.

There is always room for improvement. Talk to the children about the importance of trying hard and working towards a goal.

24. If you had to give away $1,000, what would you do with it, and who would you give it to?

This is a great question to ask children when talking about being kind and helping others.

Journal Prompts or Kids

25. What is the best thing someone has ever given to you?

This question helps children think about what they’re good at and how they can help others.

Explain what happened and how it made you feel.

30. Did someone ever hurt your feelings?

31. Is there anyone you would like to switch places with? Who and why?

32. What does it mean to be loyal?

33. When was a time you were loyal to a friend or a friend who was loyal to you?

34. What famous person would you like to meet?

Self-Esteem Writing Topics

35. Have you ever been friends with someone who was unpopular or not part of the group?

This is a great question to ask children when teaching them about acceptance and how it feels not to be part of a group.

36. When was a time you felt you were treated unfairly? How did it make you feel?

37. Is it fair to give someone a head start in a race? When is it fair? When is it not fair?

Everyone makes mistakes. This writing topic helps children understand that mistakes are part of the learning experience.

40. Write about a time when you were very angry. What happened? How did being angry make you feel?

Did I make a good choice when I was angry? This is a great writing topic when discussing feelings with children. It is important for them to understand that anger isn’t wrong and that you are allowed to feel angry.

41. What would you do if you heard a rumor about a friend you knew wasn’t true? How would it make you feel? What would you do?

44. Write about three things that are hard for you and why.

46. What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

49. Write about your best friend. Who are they, how long have you known them, and why are they your best friend?

Short Story Writing Topics for Kids

52. If you could be on a t.v show, which one would it be and why?

55. You just found a treasure map; write about what you would do next. Do you decide to look for the treasure? Who is going to help you? What supplies do you need? Did the map lead you to the treasure, or was it fake? If you found the treasure, what was it? What did you do with it?

56. You just built a time machine. Where in time would you go? What did you do? What did you see? Would you want to stay there or come back to the present time?

58. Challenge the kids to write a scary story.

2. Create an animal. This is the same as the monster but just an animal instead.

3. Create new food. What kind of food is it? Is it a dessert, is it something spicy, is it a combination of both? Have the children draw a picture of their new food.

Group Writing Prompts for Kids

I’ve been working with kids on group writing and art projects. The kids enjoyed these topics the best.

58. Create a fairy tale. have each group member write one part of the story. Then have each member of the group draw one part of the story. When the children are finished writing, have them come up in front of the class and retell their story.

59. Create an amusement park. Discuss as a group the name of the park. Have each member of the group write about the parts of the park.

B. Write about the type of rides in the park. Are there shows in the park?

Art Project: On a large poster board, have each group member draw a park map. List of attractions, games, food, restrooms, gift shops, shows, etc..

Newly Added Creative Writing Prompts

61. Create a new food/or meal and make a recipe to teach others how to make it. Have the kids draw a picture of the new food/meal.

62. Create a new game and describe how to play. This writing topic lets children use their imaginations. Have the children draw out the game on paper. If creating a board game, have the children turn the paper into a board game.

64. Your video just went viral on YouTube. What did you do in your video? These days, children spend so much time looking at videos on YouTube. Have them imagine what it would be like to become famous overnight with a viral video.

Magical Writing Prompts for Kids

67. What is your sorcerer’s name? What kind of sorcerer would you be? Would you be evil or nice? What kind of powers would you have? What is something that you did as a sorcerer?

69. Write about a time when you were proud of your work and did your best. How did that make you feel? Do you always try your best? Why or why not

All about me collage self-esteem/character building activity for kids, being thankful activities for kids, thanksgiving activities for kids, feel good notebook self-esteem character building activity for kids, positive notes game self-esteem character building activity for kids, how to get kids to work together, games for kids.

IMAGES

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1800+ Creative Writing Prompts To Inspire You Right Now
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Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we've published in the Grants & Awards section of during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in ...
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Cost: Free. Contest Date: Early April 2024. Application Deadline: February 29, 2024. Eligibility: Open to students aged 5 to 19 enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade. One of the widely-known creative writing competitions for high school students is the River of Words Poetry and Art Contest.
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2. The Writing Quarter — $30 prize. The Writing Quarter Competition is a free, monthly run competition that asks writers to complete a short story (open theme) of 1,00-3,000 words by the last ...
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1. Horror writing prompts. 1) A man inside the coffin breaks the coffin and starts walking. 2) A demonic spirit has entered your friend's body and she is moving closer to attack you. 3) You wake up in an empty house and see a ghost. 4) A doll you brought for a friend suddenly starts speaking.
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The Classics. Issues or Hardships in Marriage or Love. A topic for having a shot at a story writing competition that can be written with great variance and depth is the topic of an affair, love, relationship or marriage falling apart. One does not need to reach into the prize winners of yesteryears to impose the point that marriage or ...
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Enter our weekly Writing Prompts Contest for the chance to win $250 and publication on our blog! - Page 2. ... Enter to win $250 in our weekly writing competition. ENDED at 23:59 - Mar 15, 2024 EST #241: Et Tu, Brute? 257 contest entries / 116 stories 🏆 Won by ...
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Roald Dahl's ImaginormousChallenge. ages: 5 - 12. Details: In this unique writing contest, kids submit story ideas in 100 words or less. The only judging criterion, in true Wonka style, is pure imagination. Five winners will get a Golden Ticket. See the website for all the prizes and opportunities.
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ASSOCIATION OF WRTERS & WRITING PROGRAMS. AWP Awaard Series - The AWP Award Series is an annual competition for the publication of excellent new book-length works. The prizes are supported by the AWP Award Series Endowments. The competition is open to all authors writing in English regardless of nationality or residence and is available to published and unpublished authors alike.
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5 Tips to Win a Writing Contest. When it comes to winning story contests, follow these five tips: 1. Recognize you are human. This may be a strange way to begin a list of tips on how to win a writing contest, but let me explain. Stephen King once said, "To write is human, to edit is divine.".
300 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids
300 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids
The Absolute Best Creative Writing Topics for Kids!
58. Challenge the kids to write a scary story. 59. If you are working with younger children, instead of having them write, you can have them draw and answer questions about their drawing. Try some of these topics. 1 Create a monster. Your monster can be silly, scary, funny, big, little, colorful, etc..