Summer Writing Contests for 2009

Here are some great writing opportunities over the summer. If you already have some stories written, or you plan to write over the summer, take advantage of writing contests to raise your profile and give you an advantage in the writing marketplace. If you have a specific type of writing that you want to submit, Google search for a contest that fits the type. Chances are there are one or more contests out there that fit the bill.


For Young Writers, K-12:

If you are a student who has what it takes, enter this contest to prove yourself to the rest of the world.
Due Date: July 31, 2009.
http://www.youngvoicesfoundation.org/writingcontests.html


For High school Seniors:

You can receive a $500 college scholarship for 500 word (or less) essay.
Due Date: August 28, 2009.
http://www.essaylady.com/scholarship_essay_contest.shtml


For All Writers:

Write the most gripping first paragraph of a story in one of the following genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Western, Ghost Story/Gothic. "...you could win a prize package from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts or a Walrus prize package, and have you work published at walrusmagazine.com!"
Due Date: July 31, 2009.
http://www.walrusmagazine.com/blogs/2009/05/29/enter-our-guilty-pleasures-writing-contest/


If you write middle-grade or young adult novels, you could win the ultimate prize, publication of your novel with Random House!
Due Date: June 30, 2009.
http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/writingcontests/

Writer's Digest holds a recurring contest called Your Story. Based on a writing prompt, you write a 750 word short story and the possibility of being published in Writer's Digest.

Next Due Date: July 10, 2009.

http://www.writersdigest.com/yourstory

Other sites with writing contest lists:

Here is a listing of many writing contests courtesy of Barton County Poets and Writers.

http://bartoncountypoetsandwriters.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/spring-summer-writing-contest-deadlines/

Beware, most of these cost a fee to enter, but some of them are free to enter.

http://www.oncewritten.com/WritingContests.php


Sign-up for this feed and get ongoing updates on contests.
http://writingcontests.wordpress.com/


Ready to enter quickly? Here are contests with deadlines in June 2009.
http://fictionwriting.about.com/od/thebusinessofwriting/a/JuneContests.htm


I realize I have barely scratched the surface of a comprehensive list, but I hope it helps. I wish you all the best of luck in your contest submissions.


On the writing front, after a week at the beach I have written just over five thousand words in my short story. I like the way it is coming together, and I hope to finish the first draft in the next few weeks.

Until next time, let's keep on writing.

http://www.jhughthomas.com/
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