The 12 Best Writing Contests for High School Students
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Writing Contests With Multiple Categories
Writing contests with multiple categories provide opportunities for writers to showcase their skills across various genres and themes. These contests typically have distinct categories such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essay, and more, allowing participants to choose the category that aligns with their strengths and interests.
One of the significant advantages of contests with multiple categories is that they cater to a wide range of writing styles and preferences. Writers can explore different genres and experiment with various forms of expression. Whether you are passionate about storytelling, crafting persuasive arguments, or creating evocative poetry, these contests offer a platform to showcase your talent in your preferred category.
Additionally, writing contests with multiple categories often have different judging criteria for each category. This allows judges to evaluate submissions based on the specific requirements and expectations of each genre. It ensures fairness and provides a level playing field for participants, as each category is assessed independently.
These contests also foster healthy competition and encourage writers to challenge themselves by exploring new genres or writing styles. Engaging in different categories can help writers develop their versatility, expand their skills, and discover new areas of interest within the writing craft. It allows them to push their boundaries and explore their creativity in different ways.
Participating in writing contests with multiple categories can also provide valuable feedback and recognition. Judges often provide critiques and evaluations of the submissions, offering writers an opportunity to learn and grow from their experience. Winning or placing in a specific category can bring attention to your work and boost your confidence as a writer.
When considering writing contests with multiple categories, it is important to carefully review the guidelines and submission requirements for each category. Understand the specific criteria and expectations for each genre to ensure your submission aligns with the category you choose. Pay attention to deadlines and submission guidelines to ensure your work is eligible for consideration.
Overall, writing contests with multiple categories provide a platform for writers to explore different genres, showcase their talent, receive feedback, and challenge themselves. They offer a diverse and inclusive space for writers to share their unique voices and perspectives, fostering growth and recognition within the writing community.
Fiction Writing Contests for High School Students
There are several fiction writing contests specifically designed for high school students. Here are some notable contests that provide young writers with opportunities to showcase their storytelling skills:
1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious and recognized writing contests for high school students. It offers various categories, including short story, flash fiction, and science fiction/fantasy.
2. YoungArts Competition: The National YoungArts Foundation hosts an annual competition that welcomes submissions in various artistic disciplines, including fiction writing. It provides young writers with the chance to receive mentorship, recognition, and scholarships.
3. The Blank Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival: Although primarily focused on playwriting, The Blank Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival also accepts submissions of fictional monologues. This contest encourages young writers to explore dialogue and character development.
4. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest: The Writers of the Future contest invites aspiring science fiction and fantasy writers to submit their original works. It welcomes entries from writers of all ages, including high school students.
5. Bluefire Magazine's Young Writers Contest: Bluefire Magazine's annual Young Writers Contest is open to high school students worldwide. It seeks original works of fiction, including short stories and novel excerpts.
6. Narrative Magazine's "30 Below" Contest: Narrative Magazine hosts the "30 Below" Contest, specifically targeting young writers under the age of 30. It accepts submissions of short stories, flash fiction, and other fictional works.
7. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose: The Adroit Journal offers two separate contests for poetry and prose. Its prose contest includes categories for fiction and creative nonfiction, welcoming submissions from high school students.
It's important to note that contest availability and deadlines may vary each year. Before submitting your work, carefully review the guidelines, eligibility criteria, and submission requirements provided by each contest. Additionally, consider exploring local or regional writing competitions and literary magazines that may offer fiction writing opportunities for high school students.
1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: https://www.artandwriting.org/
2. YoungArts Competition: https://www.youngarts.org/
3. The Blank Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival: https://www.theblank.com/ypf/
4. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest: https://www.writersofthefuture.com/
5. Bluefire Magazine's Young Writers Contest: http://www.bluefire.org/
6. Narrative Magazine's "30 Below" Contest: https://www.narrativemagazine.com/
7. The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose: https://www.theadroitjournal.org/
Playwriting Contests for High School Students
Here are some playwriting contests for high school students:
1. The Blank Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival: This festival is dedicated to producing and promoting the work of young playwrights. More information can be found on their website: https://www.theblank.com/ypf/
2. The New Voices Young Playwrights Festival: This festival, organized by Premier Theatre Company, provides an opportunity for young playwrights to have their work performed on stage. You can find more details on their website: https://www.premiertheatre.com/
3. The Young Playwrights Inc. National Playwriting Competition: Young Playwrights Inc. organizes an annual national competition for high school students to submit their original plays. Visit their website for more information: https://www.youngplaywrights.org/
4. The National High School Playwriting Competition: Organized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, this competition accepts submissions from high school students across the United States. Check their website for updates on submission guidelines: https://www.artandwriting.org/
5. The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center National High School Playwriting Competition: This prestigious competition invites high school playwrights to submit their work for a chance to win scholarships and have their plays professionally produced. More information can be found on their website: https://www.theoneill.org/
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are numerous writing contests available for high school students to showcase their talents and creativity. Participating in these contests can provide valuable opportunities for recognition, publication, and even scholarships. Whether it's fiction writing, playwriting, poetry, or other forms of writing, these contests offer a platform for young writers to express themselves and gain valuable experience. It's important for aspiring writers to research and explore the various contests to find the ones that align with their interests and aspirations. So, if you have a passion for writing, don't hesitate to enter these contests and share your unique voice with the world.