Entering Writing Contests

		Writing Contests, there are many to choose from where do you start?

Go with what sparks your interest. Writing Contests have big prizes and the odds are really good that you can win. The sky really is the limit! Take a look at 10 Writing Contests and pick out a top five Writing Contests then narrow it down from there. When entering a Contest there are a lot of factors that play into that. Remember, you can be a great writer but when it all boils down to it, it is about the judges preference. What seems like a piece of great writing to one judge just might be average to another. Writing Contests are subjective.

The very first thing that you should do when entering Writing Contests is to read the rules.

They like to squeeze little rules in here and there to throw you off but make sure you read them over a few times. It can make the difference between winning and losing. Pay special attention to the Writing Contests entry and closing dates, the entry frequency, and the requirements like word count, theme, and any other details the sponsor requires. It is very natural to jump right in to writing your essay focusing on the prize at hand. We suggest just sitting back and taking some time and write whatever comes to mind like possible topics to start. Write all of your Contest ideas down, and don't judge them yet. The more ideas you can come up with when you enter Writing Contests the better. From there pick a top 3. Then pick the best one that feels right and save the others for another time.

There are many Writing Contests out there and you can always use the material.

Now keep in mind with Writing Contests there are variables as mentioned above they will give you like the theme, sponsors product, word count and other parameters and requirements. Remember, no matter if your piece is selected the winner or not, do not take it personal and never think you did not win because it was not good enough. Again, it is only the people who hold the keys to the deciding factor and that is just an opinion. No matter how they are so-called "educated" in writing. The knowledge of ones textbook of words does not always make you a great writer. Writing Contests are just that a "Contest".

When you start writing for Writing Contests or Essay Contests your entry should always start with a good hook.

The first sentence is the most important of all. Think of something that will give them a memorable impression of your work. Remember, boring and just dictating information will not be a winner. But also remember it is a "writing Contests" and you are competing. So think outside the box. Get all of your thoughts together and just write. Forget about spelling or polishing it. Right now it is all about getting the draft and foundation together.

Revision, revision, revision. You will learn that revisions are the main part of the process. Once you have written the first draft of your Essay Contest or Writing Contest. Keep revising, look it over to make sure that it flows smoothly. Is your point well-made and clear? Does it flow smoothly from one point to another? Now is when you start thinking about the word count. You will need to cut and clean it up removing some words.

Once you are at a point that you think it is finished, it is not. It really is never finished because a writer can always make more changes. Walk away from it for a while. Right now you are to close to it meaning you are not thinking clearly as all writers are not at this point. How you see it now and how you will see it two days from now will be like night and day.

Here are a few current Writing Contests you can enter: Rolling Stone - Families Who Rock Writing Contest, The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest, Short Fiction Contest for Emerging Writers. These are just a few. We suggest doing a search for use the following key term of "Writing Contests Directories".

When you enter Writing Contests make sure you enjoy the process. After all that is what writing is about.

Good Luck and Happy Sweeping!

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