…sharing resources for Catholic writers
As a teacher, I often encourage my students to write for an audience and one avenue that seems to propel them forward is writing for contests. I’m not sure if it’s the idea of challenge or the thrill of possibility, but when they ask, “Do you think I can win?” I always share the same answer.
“Your writing is uniquely you, and only your individual perspective and exclusive voice can be offered by you.”
Writers long for their voice to be heard and contests are often a great starting point. Organizations and publishers alike use contests to seek good writing, and often offer prizes or publication (not to mention the résumé building and bragging rights if selected).
WordPress houses an extensive list of Creative Writing Contests and other writing opportunities which are updated monthly (don’t bypass listings from previous months however, because many contests are still running). Here you will find an assortment of opportunities, such as The Christian Creative Writer’s Contest, The Erma Bombeck Writing Competition, as well as writing contests for just about every genre and topic: poetry, script, letter, short story, to soul mates, women’s literature, and the Australian landscape.
2012 Christian Writing Contest also hosts a variety of its own contests (novels, short story, poetry, literary magazine) and even includes a young adult (ages 13-18) category for inspired youth. Its mission is to promote and defend Christianity and its teachings through literature.
In Shared Ink last July, I mentioned Faith Writers and their weekly competition – still a worthy contest to explore if you haven’t yet had opportunity.
Of course, contests should always be approached with caution. Writers Digest reminds us of The Truth About Writing Contests and urges us to know our audience, not just from a writer’s perspective, but from a business standpoint as well – always an important piece to remember.
So, how about it? Any contest goers out there? Any contest experiences or other calls for submission you would like to share? Let’s hear about it.
Thank you Leslie. Your insight and perspective is appreciated. Happy writing!
I've used contests to get feedback (some valuable, some not so much) and to get my manuscript in front of specific editors. The biggest challenge is to my ego, but when I've gotten past potentially snarky comments from contest judges, I've almost always found a kernel of truth that I can use to improve my work. Now I enter contests judiciously – they can be expensive – and choose carefully for different aspects of the writing, i.e., first chapter versus last chapter, or which editor/agent will be the final judge. Overall, contests have helped me hone my craft – and it never hurts to get the occasional 'this was awesome writing' comment. Warms your heart!