Writing Contests

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What A Mess!

Write a poem about a mess! As long as your poem is about making a mess, or encorporates the topic of messes, anything goes. Creative approaches are welcomed. Contest voters will be asked to consider the topic when making a choice for a winner. Now let's get sloppy!
17 Spots Left    30 Days No Win     
Deadline


The time of my life:

Write a short story. The topic is: The best time you ever had in your life. It can be as an adult or as a child. Please keep it clean. Minimum length 100 words. Maximum Length 4,000 words.
14 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


Co-existing Worlds

Use your imagination in bringing these two worlds together. It can be funny, thoughtful, or scary, wherever your imagination takes you.
14 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


Oh, you are... are you?

Write a humorous free verse or free style poem about YOU, as though you are talking to yourself! Recommended (but not required) that you start every stanza (except your last stanza) with "You are..." . You may start your last stanza with whatever you choose. Your poem can be of any length and genre.
16 Spots Left    30 Days No Win     
Deadline




All Contests



Free Verse Poem

Write a free verse poem. This is a method of writing poetry that does not follow any structure or style. See an example and details in the announcement. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


The Note

Write a story whose plot hinges on a message written on a note. Don't reveal the contents of the message till near the end.
14 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


Nursing Home Mayhem

Show readers what can happen in your nursing home during a full moon when no one takes any medications for the entire weekend. Fiction/nonfiction, poetry or prose, 200 words minimum.
16 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


My Faith Poetry

Share a poem that is about your faith or how faith has impacted your life. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


The Thinker

'The Thinker' Blind Challenge.

Who's up for a real challenge? Book a spot on the competition, PM me you've done so & you'll get a quote from one of the great philosophers to inspire your story. The story must play into the quote in some way. Include the quote at the beginning of your post. PROSE FICTION ONLY. MINIMUM 1200 words. Complete stories only.

10 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


This Sentence Starts The Story

Write a story that starts with this sentence: We found the cave. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Battle of the Sprites

Tell a short story about spirits and/or sprites visiting and/or inhabiting people and animals in a nice neighborhood, in 250-550 words.
17 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


Halloween Story

Write a horror or thriller story for our Halloween writing contest. The story should have a Halloween theme. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Halloween Poetry

For our Halloween poetry contest we are looking for poems that somehow capture the fun, horror or excitement of Halloween. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Romance Writing Contest

Write a romance story. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Share A Photo Poetry

Share a picture of something or someone that you love. Or perhaps a photo of something that you found on a trip or a hike. Write a poem about it. Post the photo along with the poem. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Make a poem

Make up a new poetry style. I just did. Research first to make sure it is not already out there. I searched quite a while and found nothing like mine.
No length requirements. No blind writing.
15 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


20 Syllable Poem

Write a poem that has exactly 20 syllables. Any format. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Horror Writing Contest

Put your readers on edge or terrorize them for this horror writing contest. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Nov 12th


3-6-9 Poem

This poem has three stanzas. Each stanza has three lines that follows the 3-6-9 syllable count. The first line has 3 syllables, the second line has 6 syllables and the last line 9 syllables. The subject can be anything. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Nov 15th


5-7-5 Poetry Contest

For this contest you are to write a short poem. It should only have three lines. But the structure is that of a Haiku. The first line has 5 syllables. The second line has 7 syllables. The third line has 5 syllables again. Write about anything. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Nov 21st


Nonet Poetry Contest

Write a nine line poem for this poetry contest. The first line of your poem will have nine syllables. The second line has eight syllables and the third line has seven. This continues until your final line which has one syllable. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Nov 26th


Write A Book In A Month

Can you write a complete book in one month? That's the challenge of this writing contest. Write a book during this month. Complete it by the end of the month. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Nov 30th


Share A Story In A Poem

In this contest you are challenged to write a poem that tells a story and also rhymes. We've included examples of this type of poetry storytelling in the announcement. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Dec 3rd


Faith Flash

Write what faith means to you. How faith impacts your life. What God means to you. This is flash! So share it with exactly 300 words. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Dec 9th


2-4-2 Poetry

Write a 2-4-2 syllable poem. It has three lines. The first line has 2 syllables, the second line has 4 syllables and the last line 2 syllables. The subject can be anything. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Dec 11th


True Story Contest

Share a memory from your life. Share a moment, an object, a feeling, etc. This does not have to be a profound memory, but should allow readers insight into your feelings, observations and/or thoughts. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Dec 15th


Free Form Poetry Contest

Write a free verse poem. This is a method of writing poetry that does not follow any structure or style. See an example and details in the announcement. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Dec 18th


Western Writing Contest

Write a western story. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Dec 21st


5-7-5 Poetry Contest

For this contest you are to write a short poem. It should have only three lines. But the structure is that of a Haiku. The first line has 5 syllables. The second line has 7 syllables. The third line has 5 syllables again. Write about anything. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Dec 31st


Dialogue Only Writing Contest

Write a story using only dialogue. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 5th


Acrostic Poetry Contest

Write an acrostic poem. An acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word. View an example in the announcement. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 9th


Newbie Flash Fiction

New to FanStory? This contest is for you! Write a story that uses exactly 100 words. Title does not count towards the word count. Write about anything with 100 words. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 13th


Sonnet Poetry Contest

Just like Shakespeare did, discover the rhythm and rhyme scheme of the Shakespearean sonnet. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 14th


Nonfiction Writing Contest

We are looking for personal essays, memoirs, and works of literary non-fiction. It can be spiritual, political, or funny. Creative approaches welcomed. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 20th


Lune Poetry Contest

A Lune poem is a short and fun poetry form with only three lines. View the contest announcement for an example. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 23rd


My Worst Fear Writing Contest

Write about the worst fear that you've ever faced. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 26th


Minute Poetry Contest

Write a Minute poem for this contest. A fun poem to write. It follows the "8,4,4,4" syllable count structure. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 29th


100 Word Flash Fiction

Write a flash fiction story on any topic that uses exactly 100 words. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jan 31st


5-7-5 Poem

For this contest you are to write a short poem. It should only have three lines. But the structure is that of a Haiku. The first line has 5 syllables. The second line has 7 syllables. The third line has 5 syllables again. Write about anything. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Feb 5th


Emotions Poetry Contest

Pick an emotion and write a poem of any type. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Feb 12th


Two Line Poem

Write an essence poem. This is a poem of two lines with six syllables per line, each containing an internal rhyme and an ending rhyme. See the announcement for an example. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Feb 18th


5-7-5 Poetry Contest

For this contest you are to write a short poem. It should only have three lines. But the structure is that of a Haiku. The first line has 5 syllables. The second line has 7 syllables. The third line has 5 syllables again. Write about anything. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Feb 25th


Four Line Poem

Write a four line poem that has a specific syllable count. The first line has 1 syllable, the second line has 5 syllables, the third line has 5 syllables, and the last line 9 syllables. The subject can be anything. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Feb 28th


Erotic Writing Contest

Write an erotic fiction story. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Mar 5th


15 Syllable Poem

For this contest you are to write a short poem. The poem should have exactly 15 syllables. You can structure it anyway you choose. But the total syllable count for the completed poem must have exactly 15 syllables total. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Mar 11th


Write A Screenplay

A screenplay can bring a scene alive with just a little direction and words. Now is your chance to write your own script. Can be for TV, movies or the theater. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Mar 14th


Flash Fiction

Write a story on any topic that uses 150 words. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Mar 17th


A poem about a Woman

Write a poem about her. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Mar 20th


A poem about a Man

Write a poem about him. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Mar 23rd


Betrayal Poetry Contest

Write a poem in any form or style with betrayal as the central theme. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Mar 28th


Tanka Poetry Contest

For this contest you are challenged to write a Tanka poem. Tanka is a five line poem that follows a specific syllable count. See the announcement for an example. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 6th


Free Verse Love Poem

Write a free verse love poem. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 12th


True Story Flash

Write a non-fiction story on any topic that uses exactly 100 words. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 28th


3 Line Poetry Contest

Write a poem that has three lines and a syllable count of either 5-7-5 or 5-7-7. The poem must address a loved one. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline May 3rd


ABC Poetry Contest

For this contest you are challenged to write an ABC poem. ABC poetry has five lines and often is used to express feelings. See the announcement for an example. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline May 6th


I'm Gonna Rant

Got something that bugs you? It is your turn to rant! Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline May 10th


5 Line Poem

Write a five-lined poem that has a specific syllable count to enter this contest. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline May 14th


Temptation Poetry Contest

Write a poem of any style or length that deals with any aspect of the topic temptation. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline May 20th


Poem For A Child

Can you write a poem that brings a smile to a child? Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline May 25th


Faith Poetry Contest

The theme for this poetry contest is "faith". We are looking for poems that in some way pertain to this theme. It doesn't matter if it's spiritual, political, intellectual or emotional as long as faith is clearly represented. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline May 30th


Dribble Flash Fiction

Write a story on any topic that uses 50 words. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 2nd


Dear God

Write to God expressing your most pressing concerns and/or questions believing with all your heart and soul, that He will receive, read and answer you. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 5th


Free Verse Poetry Contest

Write a free verse poem. This is a method of writing poetry that does not follow any structure or style. See an example and details in the announcement. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 8th


Sci Fi or Fantasy Writing Contest

Write a science fiction or fantasy story. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 12th


Love Poem Poetry Contest

Write a love poem. Your love poem can be fictional or non-fictional. It can be a humorous or a serious love poem. The choice is yours. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 15th


Romance Poetry Contest

Write a romance poem in any style. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 20th


Share Your Story

Write about an event in your life. Share your story. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 23rd


Lonely Poem

Write a free verse poem to express the state of loneliness in not more than 15 lines. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 24th


Cinquain Poetry

A cinquain poem is a five line poem that follows a specific format. Read the announcement for a sample poem. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 30th


Haiku

Can you write a poem with only three lines? Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 3rd


75 Words Flash Fiction

Write a story on any topic that uses 75 words. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 3rd


Rhyming Poetry Contest

Write a poem of any type that has a rhyme. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 8th


No Rules Poetry Contest

No rules! Write any type of poem from rhyming to free form. You decide how to write your poem. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 14th


Whodunit

Write a mystery story to enter this writing contest. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 18th


One Line Poem

Write a monostich poem which is a poem that is only one line. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 20th


Write A Rant

Got something that bugs you? It is your turn to rant! The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 22nd


3 Line Poetry Contest

For this contest you are to write a short poem. It should only have three lines. But the structure is that of a Haiku. The first line has 5 syllables. The second line has 7 syllables. The third line has 5 syllables again. Write about anything. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 25th


Fantasy Writing Contest

Write a fantasy story. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 31st


Loop Poetry Contest

A fun poetry type that requires you to use the last word of each sentence as the starting word of the next sentence. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 3rd


Rhyming Poem

Write a poem of any type that has a rhyme scheme. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 7th


A First Book Chapter

For this contest share the first chapter of your novel. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 9th


16 Words or Less Poem

Write a poem with twelve words or less. Your poem must be concise and have impact. Can you do it? Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 12th


Haiku Poetry Contest

Write a 5-7-5 poem for this contest for new members to the site. A 5-7-5 poem is a three line poem. The first line has five syllables. The second line has seven. The third line has five again. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 16th


Entering Writing and Poetry Contests

This listing of writing and poetry contests will be updated daily. To enter a contest simply click the button provided when you view the contest announcement. If you are not ready to enter right away you can make a reservation which will save you a spot in a contest. A reservation will also make the contest easy to find when you are ready to enter .

All contests can be entered until the deadline is reached. Give yourself time to enter. And if possible enter at least a few days in advance as you will receive feedback shortly after you enter your contest entry. This feedback can be used to improve your work. You can edit your contest entry at anytime. So your feedback can be used to improve your writing even after you enter the contest. The judges won't read your contest submission until after the deadline has passed.

We recommending reading the contest announcement carefully as there may be requirements in the contest. For example, you may be required to count syllables or use certain words.