Monday, April 25, 2011

Writing Contests!

If you were to hold a writing contest, what theme would you choose? Who would you choose to judge the entries? Would it be fiction or nonfiction?

I think it might be fun to sponsor a contest, what do you think? Sure, it would require a fair amount of work, but I think it would be a good experience for the organizers, judges, and writers.

Are there benefits to entering a contest? I think so. First, we gain experience by producing and polishing while writing to specifications. Second, we can get objective feedback. If we don't win, we still have something that can be refined and marketed. Thirdly, we process this feedback, good or bad, and move ahead to strengthen our writing. And fourth - we just might win! 


Speaking of contests, I ran across these recently:

Writer's Digest Annual Contest deadline is May 2, 2011 (late deadline May 20) so there's still time to get entries in. With cash prizes of $3000 and a trip to NYC, I'd say that might be worth some last minute writing! Click here for details.

The Writer's Weekly Spring Contest is a 24 hour short story contest. Apparently it works like this - you sign up prior to April 30, 2011. At noon CST, the topic is announced and you have 24 hours to write and submit the story. First prize is $300, Second prize is $200. Cost to enter is $5.00. Check out the details here.

Poets and Writers has listings of contests and grants, here, on their site. There's a varied assortment of genres and prizes including one contest for Maine residents that offers a $13,000 prize.

FreelanceWriting.com keeps us up to date on the latest contest details. Visit their site here for more info.

And Slightly Off Topic :)

If you or anyone you know is homeschooling, Carol Alexander is giving away a copy of my booklet about homeschool co-ops on her blog this week. Visit her blog for details. Thanks, Carol!

Do you like to enter writing contests? Have you entered any lately? What kind of contest would you offer?

Blessings,
Karen

Image credit: Billy Alexander http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1294754 

38 comments :

  1. Thanks for sharing the links! There aren't too many writing contests for writing for children?YA where the writer receives feedback from the judges. I wish there some of those b/c regardless of winning, it would be helpful!

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  2. Thanks for the links! Hope you have a great Monday.

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  3. Contests are fun, and I writing like persoanl essay, slice of life, humor. Have a good week.

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  4. Any kids books writing contests out there? That's my thing! :O) Hugs and Happy Easter!

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  5. Thanks for the contest info. I've been eyeing the Writers Digest one for a minute:)

    Your idea to have a writing contest sounds great. Would definitely consider entering!

    Best,
    Clara

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  6. Karen,
    I've never entered a contest. Thought about it, but just haven't pursued it.

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  7. Laura,
    You are welcome! I will keep an eye out for children and YA and let you know, okay? :)

    Lisa,
    You are welcome. Have a great one too!

    Linda,
    And you are good at those! I think I spotted a contest or two along those lines in the listings.

    Diane,
    Will pass along any info I find! You've got some good giveaways on your blog this week, don't you?

    Clara,
    I say you should go for the WD one! I'll let you know if I sponsor a contest! :)

    Carol,
    You should! It is kind of fun, especially if you win! Thanks for the great review and giveaway!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  8. The Writer's Weekly Spring Contest has me intriguied. I have only entered one contest and the experience was really good. It would be beneficial for me to enter more. Thank you for the links.

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  9. I have entered several contests. As it is right now, it's all I can do to meet my current deadlines and keep up with my day job and all those boys. :) I do think it's something I'd enjoy doing more of if time allowed.

    I'll put that in the "later" folder. :)

    Happy spring!

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  10. Thanks for sharing the links, Karen! I appreciate your research.

    Blessings!

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  11. Thanks Karen for sharing such useful links! I used to enter writing contests, but it seems I can´t find the time anymore. In Holland you can´t enter when you are a published author... bummer!

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  12. I confess, I've never participated in a writing contest...

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  13. Lynn,
    You should enter that one! Let me know if you do and how you make out!

    Rhonda,
    Yes, I would have to say that your plate is full, bordering on overflowing! Perhaps someday...:)

    Susanne,
    You are welcome! Maybe you'll find one that appeals to you.

    Marja,
    That's too bad about Holland. At least when you are in the states you could enter if you wanted to. :)

    Alex,
    Shocking! :) Well, okay, not really. I've only entered a few. But it was good experience for me.

    Happy Monday!
    Karen

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  14. Great links, thanks Karen!
    I've never done a writing contest nor entered one. Probably too chicken to do either!

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  15. I entered a short story contest and did well which motivated me to finish a novel and enter it, which didn't do as well. Contests keep me motivated but they are large productions to put on. Bless those who are willing to do so.

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  16. I entered the Genesis in 2010 and several other smaller contests. I don't think I'd want to run one. The amount of time and work required would not fit into my current schedule.

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  17. Lydia,
    Oh I think you would do a great job! I say go for it! In your spare time of course...:)

    Sally,
    They can be a great motivator, can't they? I think it will be a while though before I seriously consider putting one on.

    Susan,
    There's a bunch of perks to entering when we get objective feedback, don't you think?

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  18. Sadly, I have no imagination when it comes to stuff like this. I have to borrow someone else's ideas. A contest is fun, but originality is hard to find.

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  19. I've never entered a writing contest, but, I would imagine, in every contest someone has to enter to be the one who says, "I've never entered a writing contest". Thank you for the links and the encouragement.

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  20. I tried to win the Highlight's fiction contest, but sadly it was a no go. This was a long time ago tho, so maybe I should try my hand again :)

    Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  21. Karen, we were in PA from 95-97. My husband worked at a bookstore in Harrisburg before we became houseparents at Milton Hershey school. That was an experience.

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  22. I demand a contest for a writer of picture books and MG novels. Thanks for the links amigo. I will definitely check them out. I would love to win your booklet. Off to check the links out. :-)

    Hugs amigo.

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  23. I do enter writing contests, as long as they don't cost $ and my manuscript fits the criteria. I've never hosted on though.

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  24. I've held a couple contests, and a few writing ones for my online writers club, but none I ever judged.

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  25. I'd have a contest, either fiction or nf, with a short word count and a question such as, "What is an erroneous idea you had as a child that you've traded in for the truth?" I like to think, and help others to think.

    Thanks for the links! You are very generous.

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  26. Thanks so much for all the links! Hope you have a fantastic day!

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  27. Thanks for the heads up on the upcoming contests, Karen! Always enjoy the information you share on your site - and yes, I think you should sponsor a contest (in all of your free time, of course!). Hugs and blessings!

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  28. Though I have not joined any writing contests, I feel they are a wonderful way to learn and get feedback and maybe even published if one enters the list of finalists.

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  29. Joylene,
    I think all our ideas are recycled from something - but we put our own spin on things! :)

    Jackie,
    There's a first time for everything, you know? :) Glad you found this helpful!

    Angela,
    Yes, you should! I submitted to Highlights years ago but never tried again. I will if you will! :)

    Sally,
    Thanks for the info. We used to go past the MH school all the time when we'd head into the Hershey area with my grandparents. They lived right in that area. I imagine that experience really would have been interesting!

    Robyn,
    I would think there'd be something out there along those lines. Will let you know if I see any, okay? Hugs to you, amigo!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  30. Theresa,
    I'm with you; I enter the free or low cost ones! It's great when something you have can be tweaked and entered, isn't it?

    Diane,
    I've yet to judge one too. Someday maybe. I am inspired though, to enter one this spring. :)

    Jeanette,
    I think that is an excellent idea. Will you be one of the judges if I ever have one? :)

    Talli,
    You are welcome. :) You have a great day too!

    Maria,
    LOL, yes, you're right. It's not like there's oodles of spare time on my schedule at the moment!

    Rachna,
    I agree. You never know who sees your work and where it might lead!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  31. I enter the Genesis for the feedback. If I were to sponsor one I'd definitely go with fiction because that's what I love to read.

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  32. I love entering contests but I'm not sure what kind of contest I would hold. If you have one, I'll try to enter.

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  33. Oooh, great contests links!!

    I entered a few RWA eons ago. Am actually of thinking of entering one of my books in one this year. :)

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  34. Eileen,
    The Genesis is a winner! I may enter next year. :)

    Clarissa,
    I'll keep you posted if I do, okay?

    Jennifer,
    Thanks! I say that you should enter one of your books!

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  35. Wow, this makes me want to get my writing act together! How about a story ideas contest... if you win, you MUST write it???? Hmmm.... why don't we all just declare ourselves the winners and WRITE??? (preaching to myself here...)

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  36. I keep thinking about entering writing contests. I never have before except back in school a few times. I don't know if I'd want to hold one myself. And after April's A to Z Challenge I may need a break from things like this for a little while and just quietly blog on my regular schedule and get recharged.

    I do like the concept of the 24 hr short story contest. Maybe another one another time.


    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  37. Cheryl,
    I think that's a great idea! I am getting inspired too. :)

    Andressa,
    Thank you. It's nice to meet you!

    Lee,
    I don't blame you for wanting a break! The Challenge is a big project. I think they hold the 24 hour contest regularly, fyi.

    Have a good week,
    Karen

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