When Losers Become Winners

Just because you lost a writing competition does not mean that your writing is complete garbage.  DO NOT throw it away and never look at it again.  You spent valuable creative energy to make the story/poem/script. So.... 

What do you do with a contest entry that didn't win?

1. Edit it one more time.  Take another look at your work.  Really scrutinize it, find that lingering word that slipped by, that rogue comma, that passive voice, etc.
2. Find a place that will publish it.  Use a resource like duotrope (I wrote about it here) and see if anyone is looking for writing of the same theme/genre/length of your piece.  You may need to tweak it here and there.  I did this and have taken two "losers" to print (although one is just online).   A modified version of "The Butler's Waltz" will be appearing in The Binnacle.  A revised version "The Open Box" will be featured on Marco Polo literary online magazine. (I'll update to actual links when published)
3. Use it for inspiration.  If you don't want to rework or re-purpose the thing, what about the story really intrigued you the most.  Was it a character, a line, a theme?  take that element and write a new story from it.
4. Enter it into another competition!  There A LOT of competitions that are open genre/open theme.  Cast a wide net and give your piece a chance.  If you believe in it, get it out there.  Just make sure you read contest policies on publication/concurrent submissions.
5. Burn it.  If indeed you are so disappointed by the work that it is too painful to read/rewrite/think about, use it as a therapeutic exercise.  Print it out.  Set it on fire.  Tear it up.  Feed it to a goat.  Whatever it is that will help you move past your loss and get on to the next competition.

Writing Competitions To Address Social Issues

Writing competitions can exist for a variety of reasons:

• Raising funds/awareness for a literary publication
• Recognizing writers' accomplishments
• Memorials for writing pioneers
• Just plain fun
• Because writers need more ways to be rejected

But, today, the type of competition I want to address is the one that deals with social issues.  These types of competitions either raise awareness for something that isn't talked about or looks for new contributions to an already ongoing dialogue.

I strongly believe in using one's talents for giving back to the greater good.  A competition that focus on an issue that is close to your heart is a great way to do that.  Most of these contests are nonfiction contests, almost looking for journalism types of essays.  However, some look for personal stories.  These can be incredibly moving.  The one's I personally appreciate are the calls for fiction writing that takes on powerful themes. I've seen calls for fiction/poetry that deal with war, poverty, sexual identity, women's rights and environmental concerns.  A person who can write a great story, and at the same time challenge someone's beliefs, or inspire someone to action, definitely deserves an award.

A couple pieces of advice before you jump into the writing contest that deals with social issues.

1. Be thought provoking, but do it carefully. Don't grind an axe.  People go to church for sermons.  Introduce your point of view in a way that won't set people on edge (in a bad way) right away.
2. Tell a story.  Just listing facts or obviously laboring a point makes a piece of writing dry and unpalatable.
3. Try to find a new path.  What about your story is unlike anything else that is out there?  Challenge yourself to color your piece with a flavor that is your own. A story about an interracial couple dealing with the problems of mixed families has been done before. How do you make this different? Raise the stakes. Maybe the husband's brother shoots the wife's brother in a drive-by. Alter expectations.  Did you automatically think black/white when I said interracial?  Why not a Mexican/Asian mix or Native American/Indian? Take a different point of view. This story would most likely be told from the husband/wife's point of view.  Try it as the child (young or adult) or the parent, or even the minister performing the ceremony.

Words are powerful.  They can make a difference.  Is there any piece of writing that made you think differently about the world? One of my favorites comes from To Write Love on Her Arms.
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Writing Competitions for High School Students

As I dredge deeper into the world of writing competitions, one interesting avenue I've found is the huge proliferation of writing contests aimed at high school students.  I think this is both awesome and under-utilized.

Benefits of Writing Competitions for Teens

1. Encouraging creative thinking outside the classroom.  Especially important now that school is out.
2. Providing them a chance for actual cash.  What teen couldn't use a few more dollars in the old checking account?
3. Enhancing their communication skills. Nothing beats practice.  This will reinforce what they learn in schools and they may even improve performance. 
4. Taking writing beyond texts and tweets.  Social media is awesome, but it isn't the only mode of communication.
5. Proof that there are fun things to do (please have fun with this!) that aren't dangerous or destructive.

If you are a teenager, are the parent of a teenager, know a teenager, or better yet TEACH teenagers, please do the following. Now.

How to Find/Encourage Writing Competitions for Teens
1.  Google ( or search with your search engine of choice) "writing contest for _____" and in that blank insert teens, high school students, etc.  Also modify that search for certain specifics.  Namely, your local region (state, city, zip code), and any special interest that applies (science fiction, math and science, sports, etc.). Also search for scholarships as well.
2.  Go to your local library or ask your high school counselor what opportunities they might know about.
3.  Encourage the teachers at the local school to utilize writing competitions as part of the curriculum.  What better way to encourage teens to write beyond texts and tweets than actual cash incentives?  I've judged contestants for the InvestWrite competition.  It's a great tool to get kids exposed to real world concepts.


Please post if you know of any other great resources for teens.