Aspiring young authors in Anoka County, get ready to unleash your creativity. The 8th annual "Write On!" short story writing contest, geared towards teens in grades 6-12, is now accepting submissions. The Anoka County library announced this opportunity, which is not only a chance to win a cash prize but also the prestige of becoming a published writer.
Kids in middle and high school are encouraged to craft compelling narratives for a shot at gift card prizes of $75 for first place, and $50 for second place in three different age categories. The contest, which garners attention every year, is a platform for young minds to showcase their ingenuity and storytelling abilities, and winners will be announced come June. Alongside the prize, the ebullient victors will see their work included in a 2024 ebook anthology available on Indie MN, according to details posted on the Anoka County library's official website.
Starting April 1st, contestants can submit their stories online as a PDF. In pursuit of literary acclaim, each participant is allowed only one entry – a singular work of their own penning. Conditions are firm, excluding previously published or submitted stories, underscoring the quest for original content tailored to youth audiences. Among the stylistic freedoms permitted, the county's invitation includes fan fiction, prose, and even poetic narratives, as long as the stories adhere to the word count of 1300-3000 words. Just as the Minnesota Book Awards celebrate, so too will this contest evaluate entries based on the craft of writing, originality, and resonance with readers.
The Anoka County Friends of the Library sponsor the event, and anybody needing more information can reach out to Jessica Whitehead by email or phone. According to the library website, last year's winning stories are available on the ACL Teen page, providing an example of what it takes to claim the accolade of being a top teen writer. Anoka County is fostering a nurturing ground for the writers of tomorrow, their pens poised, and narratives waiting to unfold. The deadline for these young authors is fast approaching, with the online portal ready to receive their tales of wonder, drama, or even the mundane refracted through the fresh lens of youth. The challenge is set, and the pages await their stories.
