Notable Writing Contests- FYI

top SELECTED SHORTS WRITING CONTEST The folks at NPR's acclaimed program, Selected Shorts, are sponsoring a writing competition with a very unique prize. The winning submission, selected by Ann Patchett, will be read as part of the Selected Shorts performance at Symphony Space on May 20, 2009. The story will be recorded for possible later broadcast as part of the public radio series. The winner will receive $1000. Entry deadline is March 6, 2009. Find rules and entry instructions at SymphonySpace.org. THE L MAGAZINE WANTS YOUR SHORT FICTION The L Magazine is proud to announce the fifth annual Literary Upstart, The Search for Pocket Fiction. Writers are encouraged to submit their best previously unpublished short fiction. Semi-finalists will be invited to participate in one of three live readings at a dark and writerly NYC tavern. The three semi-finalists will also be published in The L Magazine’s annual Summer Fiction Issue. First entry deadline is April 15, 2009. Find details and entry instructions here. THE WRITER 2009 SHORT-STORY CONTEST America's leading monthly writing magazine, The Writer, is now accepting entries for the 2009 Short-Story Contest. First prize is $1,000 and publication in the magazine. Entry deadline is May 31, 2009. Learn more and enter at WriterMag.com. GOTHAM'S 100-WORD WRITING CONTEST For a chance to win a free 10-week writing workshop, dazzle us with a piece of writing that is no more than 100 words. You may use any topic and any form—fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. As Strunk and White say, "Vigorous writing is concise." Entry deadline is April 3, 2009. Learn more and enter at WritingClasses.com. TEEN WRITING CONTEST Gotham has teamed with Sonya Sones, Simon & Schuster publishing, and Teen Ink for a truly original writing competition - The What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know Writing Contest. Teens are invited to enter for a chance to win a free online writing class. Entry deadline is April 3, 2009. Learn more and enter here.

2008 GERTRUDE JOHNSON WILLIAMS LITERARY CONTEST 14th Annual Competition in Short Fiction

The Contest begins 8:00 am (CT), October 3, 2008, and ends 11:59 pm (CT), November 3, 2008. Submissions received after this period will be disqualified. All entries must be: (a) original, never-before published, short stories; (b) in English; (c) works of prose; (d) no more than 2500 words in length (no exceptions); (e) typed; and (f) double-spaced in a standard 12 pt. font (i.e., Arial or Times Roman). Poetry and/or song lyrics will not be considered. The story title, author and page number must be listed on each page of the essay. Failure to adhere to the above will result in disqualification. Limit one entry per person. All entries must be submitted electronically using the online submission tool provided. Entries by mail will not be accepted or considered.

See website for complete official contest rules.

Good Luck!!

Brief Update

I finally heard from the magazine contest and my story was not accepted for publication. Oddly, I have kinda mixed feelings. On the one hand, it sure would've been nice to win that $1000 check; I ain't gon lie! But on the other hand, after re-reading this piece about 2 weeks ago, and with the benefit of more practice and self-awareness, I know I could have done better.

The only thing that disappoints me is that I had hoped for written feedback from the professionals who reviewed the entries. No go.

I'm planning to keep the letter in a binder, 'my first rejection letter'!! I'm looking for the next contest, even as I finish up rewrites and edits on my novel.

Thanks y'all for your support.