National Novel Writing Month for Kids

National Novel Writing Month

Write a novel in a month? That's the idea of the creators of National Novel Writing Month for Kids. The idea is to encourage the kids to write by keeping track of the number of words written and offering a certificate of achievement as incentive.

Each person sets a goal of so many words (depending on age level) that they expect to write for their novel. Then, they keep track of their words on the website. At the end of the month, they are awarded a certificate IF they write the required number of words. Create Space offers all the winners five free copies of their work for free.

I've pitched this idea to the kids in my class. Let's see how many take me up on it!

By the way, if you're interested, there is an adult version (age 13 and up) of this competition: National Novel Writing Month. I haven't read through all the rules yet, but it appears that the word count is set for 50,000 words. That's a lot of words in one month! The website describes it as follows: "National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing on November 1. The goal is to write a 50,000-word (approximately 175-page) novel by 11:59:59 PM on November 30." No editing allowed - just write the words! The winners get certificates. No pressure, just fun.

I'm going to try it, but I'm not sure I'll be able to finish because of my carpal tunnel issues. But, hey, I can try! 

Short Story Contest

Good Housekeeping is offering a chance to win $3,000 and publication in May issue! Short Story contest - no more than 3,500 words.

Deadline is September 1 - so don't wait. Enter that story you have tucked away in your desk, NOW!

Writing Competition

Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition deadline is May 14, 2010. Grand prize is $3,000 and a trip to NYC. First place winner in each category receives $1,000 cash and $100 worth of Writer's Digest books. Other prizes, too!

10 Categories:

• Inspirational Writing
• Memoirs/Personal Essay
• Magazine Feature Article
• Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc)
• Mainstream/Literary Short Story
• Rhyming Poetry
• Non-rhyming Poetry
• Stage Play
• Television/Movie Script
• Children's/Young Adult Fiction 

Short Story Writing Contest

Today, the Writer Magazine and Gotham Writers Workshop announced The Writer's 2010 Short-Story Contest.


Your story must be original fiction and no more than 2,000 words. The deadline to submit your story is May 31, 2010.

PRIZES: 

First Place: $1,000

Second Place: $300;

Third Place: $200 AND MORE! 

To enter or read more information, check the Writer Web site. 

The Writer Magazine