Since I write mainly non-fiction articles and pr materials I like to use writing contests as a way to escape my “daily grind” and experiment with different writing styles.
I could just write but the contest deadline and possible prize helps me focus. I’m afraid without the prodding a contest gives me fiction and personal essay writing might fall by the wayside, left for when I had more time. And we all know that time never comes!
Thought I’d let you know about a few contests I’m entering in the upcoming weeks. There’s time for you too!
Central PA Writing Contest
Rules:
- Fiction or nonfiction, humorous or serious, essay or short story. NO poetry
- Maximum 1500 words, must have title
- One entry per person
- Submit 6 copies, stapled, double spaced, on white paper
- SASE for results of contest
- Must be PA resident or attending a PA school
- Cover page: name, address, phone number, email and signed statement
- Signed statement: I am submitting the attached manuscript as an entry in the Central PA Writng Contest. I warrant that this manuscript has not been previously published in full or in part and is not being considered for publication by anyone else. I agree that if my manuscript is chosen by the judges for an award, my work may be published in Central PA magazine, that WITF-FM or WITF-TV will be free to braodcast readings of my work(or excerpts thereof)in any print, broadcast or electronic medium for promotional purposes. I agree that the editorial staff of Central PA will be free to edit and/or abridge my work as deemed necessary to ready it for publication. I will retain rights all other right to my work.
Deadline: January 16
Address: 2010 Central PA Writing Contest, 4801 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Entry Fee: $10 check or money order made out to WITF, Inc. with the notation “Central PA Writing Contest”
Prizes: 1st Prize $500, 2nd Prize $300, 3rd Prize $200
First Line Magazine – not exactly a contest but feels like it since they give you the first line of a short story and you have to write the rest of the story. No entry fee. More details at http://www.thefirstline.com/
On the Premises Short Story Contest – They give the premise you write the story. No entry fee. More details at http://www.onthepremises.com/
WordHustler Literary Storm Contest – First 50 pages of your novel could win you a critique and possible publication. Entry fee $10 More details at http://www.wordhustler.com/contests/8523/WordHustlers-Literary-Storm-Contest.html
P.S.
I suppose with computers P.S. has gone the way of white out and typewriter repairmen–we just don’t need them anymore. But don’t you miss them? Our way of saying, “I thought I had written everything I wanted to write but this last thing popped up. It’s totally unrelated to everything that came before but I just couldn’t save it for the next letter.” Speaking of going the way of the typewriter repairman–when was the last time you sent or received a handwritten letter?
Well, here’s my P.S.–Check out Nathan Bransford’s blog for a contest to celebrate the release of Jennifer Hubbard’s YA debut novel The Secret Year. Awesome prize. Short deadline–Wednesday