Writing Contests
or a fun way to try something new
Although my MFA experience had me programmed as a “butt in chair, daily” writer, the last few years of upheaval have thrown that routine out of whack. I found I could write through stressful times (after a fire, pandemic), then I found I couldn’t (cancer, moving too much), then I felt like I’d lost my voice for children’s literature, possibly for all writing except terrible journal entries, and then finally, on the other side of having no idea what to work on, my husband said, “Why not try a writing contest?”
At first I hemmed and hawed. Writing contests were for newbies, weren’t they? I felt like I should be past that racket, for that’s what I often feel contests are—a money making scheme. In my early years, I sought them out. They were the first validations of maybe having some talent, or at least the ability to get someone’s attention. Winning second place in the now defunct Amazon First Novel contest was a huge step in building my confidence to even seek out an MFA. And then in my MFA program, winning awards (basically contests) meant scholarships and a little extra prestige. I won three during my time at VCFA, and two since, and they do mean a lot to me because I valued that institution and its faculty a great deal. But to return to the paid contest felt like a demotion. Until, I reminded myself, I’ve never won a contest for adult writing. By adult I mean simply writing for grown ups, not erotica. But both count.
So I decided to give The NYC Midnight 1000 word flash fiction contest a go—a multi-month, multi-round contest with thousands upon thousands of entries, that slowly gets whittled down until there’s a top ten (or something—I don’t even remember because I signed up so long ago). NYC Midnight is one of the more popular and reputable contest gigs out there. It’s a fun and inexpensive way compete, and yet it’s very hard to win so just placing in a round feels extra good. When I first signed up, many months ago, for these few rounds of the contest, I decided I’d only write about it if I won because I’m self-serving that way. But I changed my mind and decided to share the journey regardless of outcome.
It’s a challenging contest for me because they assign the genre, setting, and an object that you have to use in your story. Setting and object are no big deal, but genre can be rough. My first one was mystery (which I dislike reading, let alone writing), and my second was thriller, much more fun, but hard under such strict deadlines. You only have 48 hours to write and submit the story after you receive the assignment.
The first round had two challenges for some reason—I guess to weed people out—and I have placed for both (5th in mystery, 4th in thriller), so I’m now moved on to Round Two of three! There are still thousands of competitors. I’m not allowed to share my stories online until the contest wraps at the end of October and results are posted sometime after that, but stay tuned, because I will no matter if I place in the end or not.
I just turned in my third challenge: Historical Fiction. Talk about getting a short straw. I mean, I love historical fiction, have written some for kids, but in 48 hours? 1000 words? Somehow, I think I pulled it off…
Regardless of what this particular contest yields, it’s been really fun writing in genres and subjects I’ve never really tried, and knowing I’m still able to grab a judge’s attention while doing so. I’d love to place high because it means a cash prize, but it’s been a great way to keep writing and creating while I spin out on actual book-length projects. And while I’m not sure if I’ll keep seeking out contests, it’s been a nice fresh, little step in a new direction.
I’m always up for that.