Whether it be for money, an IPOD or just recognition, winning a writing contest is a real accomplishment. After completing my last book, I needed a rest. Writing six books over the last five years required a lot of mental energy and I craved a break. I decided to spend some time on developing my writing skills. I found that one of the best ways of doing this was by entering writing contests. Every contest has its own set of rules and regulations which must be adhered to in order to be eligible for a prize. Making sure that you follow the rules is a lesson in itself. Many entries are eliminated from the beginning because the writer didn't follow the basic rules of the game. Writing on topic, following the word count limitations and submitting entries timely are essential elements for a chance at winning. Once having met the basic guidelines of the contest, the writer is then free to run with his or her imagination. It is with this in mind that the real challenge begins. The competition in most contests is fierce, especially the ones with the big prize money. When I read some of the winning entries from prior contests, I could see what I was up against. There are literally thousands of excellent writers in this world and most contests allow entrants from around the globe. If a contest is a popular one, such as those sponsored by big name publishers or universities, it is not unusual for them to receive hundreds or even thousands of entries, depending on the submission periods. The real battle one has is with the top entries. In smaller contests the number of potential winners might be as few as 10-20, but in the larger ones, that number might be 100 or more. With so many wonderful pieces to choose from, you can understand how difficult it is for the judges to decide a winner. (to be continued)
