Thursday, July 14, 2011

Contest Anyone?



Anyone in the mood for a contest? Contests are a great way to pen and polish something, aren't they? They offer good practice with deadlines too. If you enter and win any of these, be sure and let us know, okay?

Poets are encouraged to enter the Second Annual Poetry Contest sponsored by the Tennessee Williams' New Orleans Literary Festival. Grand prize is $1000, entry fee is $20, and the deadline to enter is August 18, 2011.

The Narrative Magazine Story Contest is open to fiction and non-fiction writers. First prize is $3250, entry fee is $20. Hurry, the deadline is July 30, 2011.

August 31, 2011 is the deadline for the Summer Women on Writing's Flash Fiction Contest. Submit flash fiction up to 750 words. Entry fee $10, $20 with critique. Top prize is $300.

Grand prize for the Amy Foundation Writing Awards is $10,000; their goal is to recognize mainstream articles that share Biblical principles. Articles must be published in 2011; entry deadline is January 31, 2012.

Have you ever entered a writing contest? Did you win? Do tell! :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy writing,
Karen


Photo: Stock xchng

28 comments :

  1. No, I've never entered a contest. Not sure I could even write a short story.

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  2. I enjoy entering contests, especially when there is NO entry fee!

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  3. I have entered a contest once( In may 2011). Its fun, exciting and I am anxious to know about my entries status.

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  4. Alex,
    I see your point - since you are the published author of a full length book! :)

    Jenny,
    Me too! Those are appealing, that's for sure!

    Rachna,
    It is exciting! Let us know how you make out, okay?

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  5. I entered a short story contest in 2009 and got an honorable mention. I was very happy with that so turned around and entered my novel in the next contest but no placement. Ah well...try, try again.

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  6. Yes, I used to enter them in Holland and thought they were great fun. Now that I am a published author I cannot enter anymore... bummer :)

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  7. I entered into a short story contest for the Pacific Northwest Writing Convention back in 2001. Didn't win, and the critique I received was just so-so. Then two years later at my library I found a book with a similar plot written by a woman who critiqued my story. Definitely not a good experience for me. I generally run the other direction when I see the words "contest" and "entry free" together.

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  8. Sally,
    Honorable mention isn't bad. :) Yes, there's always another one out there where we can try again!

    Marja,
    Oh yes, some contests do have that stipulation. You should check out some of the US contests. :)

    Tyrean,
    Oh my, that was not a good experience! I don't blame you for not being crazy about contests! So sorry to hear that.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  9. I have entered several. Guideposts, Writers Digest, a contest held by a writing group in Ohio. The lady who published a small literary magazine in our region had a contest to build some enthusiasm for a way she wanted to take her magazine. I got forth place. The judge paid me a very nice complement.

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  10. I have done a magazine contest, and I won't hear back until early 2012. But I haven't done any others. I should try, though.

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  11. I entered a contest once--last year. I did not place. However, it was a greater learning experience than I expected it to be.

    First, there was a deadline. Second, there was a tight word count cut-off. Last, there was a theme. Specifically, the writing prompt tied in the past, present and future. Writing with a timeline for a thread was a different but welcomed experience for me.

    I plan on entering other writing contests. Even if you don't place, you don't really lose, right?

    Have a lovely weekend. :-)

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  12. Cecelia,
    Good for you! I need to make n effort to enter more. :)

    Lydia,
    You'll have to let us know how you made out, okay?

    Lisa,
    You are welcome!

    Janette,
    I agree with you here; they do provide some good disciplines. I like your attitude too, you don't come away a loser, you come away with a polished work.

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  13. Karen, this is something I'd like to do more of...when I have the time. I did enter the Erma Bombeck contest last year. I didn't win, but they forwarded a very kind comment from the first-round judge, so I kinda felt like a winner anyway. :)

    I'm curious about the last one you mentioned. Hmm.

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  14. I entered Amazon/Publisher's Weekly contest earlier this year. I was booted in the first round. That's about it for my experiences.

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  15. Rhonda,
    Glad you felt like a winner! I say you should enter that one! :)

    Stephen,
    Ah well, you enjoy book success otherwise, so I wouldn't be concerned!

    Happy weekend!
    Karen

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  16. Hi Karen, I have entered writing contests in the past. Lots of them. :-)

    So nice to meet you today over on Talli's blog. Have a nice weekend.

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  17. Hi Karen -

    I entered the 2010 Genesis Contest. Although I didn't final or win, I came out with decent scores, lots of advice, and a determination to keep going.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  18. Yep. Actually, I have. I've won a few poetry contests over the years.

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  19. Liz,
    It is good to meet you. Enjoyed the post over at Talli's. Thanks for coming by and following!

    Susan,
    I would say that is a successful contest entry, then! Cheering you on!

    Jennifer,
    Congrats to you! So now will we see this poetry on your blog? :D

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  20. I entered an American Legion Essay contest when I was in high school and I did not win. I don't recall exactly what I wrote, but it was during the Viet Nam War era and I may not have written what the Legion judges were looking for.

    I keep planning to enter a contest someday and probably should go for at least a couple to see what happens.


    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  21. When I was in the 8th grade I entered a newspaper sponsored writing contest and won a set of Brittanica Junior Enclopedia.

    SOMEDAY, I'm going to get serious about this writing stuff ...

    Thanks for such inspiring resources.

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  22. Thanks for the links.

    I've won a pitch contest and a 250 words contest.

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  23. I have entered one. Didn't win. *sob*

    I like that last one, especially, amigo. Will check it out. :-)

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  24. Kathleen,
    See, I knew you were a genius even at a young age! :) You already are serious about writing, your blog is the proof!

    Theresa,
    You are welcome. Congrats on the wins! :D

    Robyn,
    Perhaps they were just not looking for coolness? Yes, check that one out! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  25. So neat to hear about contests like this. Thanks for sharing. A new follower from http://richfaithrising.blogspot.com/
    ~ Jen

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  26. These are good to know. I might enter one but I am apprehensive at the same time.

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  27. Jen,
    Nice to meet you and thanks so much for following! Will check out your blog!

    Shopgirl,
    I always am a little too, but they really are rewarding. Go ahead and give it a try!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!