Teen Creative Writing Contest

Get your stories ready!

Image
WH.TeenCreativeWritingContest.2024

Call for submissions to the teenage writers of Alachua County!

Sign up now for your chance to win prizes, generously donated by our sponsors at Spurrier's Gridiron Grille, Mi Apa Latin Cafe, and Okito America Martial Arts.

The 2024 Teen Writing Contest is now in full swing, and looking for teens to submit their best original works.

Any teen can submit up to three poems and one short story (500-1500 words in length). Works will be submitted electronically to ysref@aclib.us in DOC format, and they will also submit a completed entry form. Only one form needed per teen.

Full rules for entry
  • Entrants must be in 6th through 12th grade.
  • All writing must be the original work of the entrant.
  • Each entrant may submit (1) fictional, short story, 500 – 1500 words in length, and/or up to (3) poems, any form or style.
  • Entrant’s submission(s) will be grouped for judging into one of two grade ranges - (1) Grades 6 - 8 or (2) Grades 9 - 12.  Within each of the two grade ranges, 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be awarded for the top fictional short stories as well as for poems.
  • Each entry must be clearly labeled with name and grade of entrant and title of work; typed in Times New Roman; 12-point font; and double spaced.
  • Entries will be accepted beginning Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024 to Friday, April 12, 2024 @ 5 p.m. 
  • Entries must be submitted electronically in DOC format to Youth Services at ysref@aclib.us . All entry forms may be submitted to the entrant’s closest library branch or scanned and emailed to ysref@aclib.us
  • All entry forms must be digitally signed by the writer and by the writer’s parent/legal guardian.  (This Entry Form will serve as a liability waiver and as a release allowing the Library District to use and/or display the writer’s work in the library and on the website.)
  • Winners will be announced at a reception Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Meeting Room A at the Headquarters Library, 401 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL.  (Simultaneously broadcast virtually for those who cannot attend in person). 
  • Attendees are welcome (though not required) to read their creative works at the event.
  • Winners will be awarded a bound booklet with all of the entries that received 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place (upon request) and will receive additional prizes.

 

Winners will be announced during a reception in Meeting Room A at Headquarters library on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 2 p.m.  We will also stream the reception through Zoom for those who would prefer to attend virtually.

Entry Form

For any questions or concerns, please contact us at ysref@aclib.us, or call at 352-334-3941

Previous winners

Image
TWC fancy pencil logo

 

 

Check out the previous winning entries from  2023, 2022 and 2021!

Other resources for writers

  • NaNoWriMo doesn't need to be restricted to November. NaNoWriMo's official website includes a number of great resources, including a pre-November prep programpep talks from famous authors, and a Young Writers Program. NaNoWriMo even runs Camp NaNoWrimo, a chance to try a version of NaNoWriMo customized to the writer's personal goals, in April and July.
  • Be sure to check out the most recent editions of The Writer's Market and The Poet's Market.  This series publishes new installments every year (it's important to use the most recent as the information becomes out of date often), and includes up-to-date listings of publications, editors, magazines, contests, awards, and literary agents, along with articles that describe how to find, manage, and promote an author's work.