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!
Blessings,
Karen
Image credit: Billy Alexander http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1294754
