Who likes holiday writing contests?! Our sister organization, the Florida Writers Foundation, is holding a holiday writing contest as a fundraiser. So get those fingers ready to dive in to some fun!
Contest Details
Submissions are open from November 1st – November 30th. Start by giving a donation to the Foundation here. The recommended amount is $10. Then you can write either a 1,000 word or less short story or a poem with a max of 40 lines for your entry. Next, send your submission in the body of your email (no attachments) to ColorsoftheHolidays@gmail.com. One entry per person and only original works will be considered. All works will be read by three judges. Click here to see full contest details on the FWF website.
Contest Winner Celebration
Six winning entries will be selected and with the authors’ consent, will appear on the FWF website. There will be a Zoom party for all entrants on December 5th at 7:00 p.m. with two special guests.
Mary Flynn, who used to write full time for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, before retiring from Disney Institute, is an award-winning author of fiction and poetry [eight books] as well as an acclaimed international conference speaker and leadership program facilitator. She will share some tips and stories with us. Learn more at www.maryflynnwrites.com
Joyce Sweeney, who is our 2021 Florida Writer of the Year, and an agent with the Seymour Agency, will make a guest appearance to share writing opportunities for poets. Before becoming an agent, she was a mentor to many writers, and is a published author of fourteen books. Her free publishing podcast helps writers understand the publishing industry. Learn more at www.sweeneywritingcoach.com
The top fifteen finalists in each of the two categories will be sent to a final judge to determine the top winner, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up. Mary Flynn will judge the short story finalists and Joyce Sweeney will judge the poetry finalists. Good luck to all!
The Florida Writers Foundation
Not sure what the Foundation is and what they do? FWF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes literacy by enhancing writing skills and creating a love of reading in children and adults. Around the state of Florida, they have helped literacy efforts by partnering with a multitude of organizations including Space Coast Rolling Readers, Sunshine City Kiwanis, and many elementary schools. Visit their website to learn more.
BonSue Brandvik
Sounds fun! Must all participants be active members in the FWA or FWF at the time of submission? If not, I’ll advertise the contest on two of my other writing group sites. Thanks!
Arielle Haughee
Nope! This contest is open to all. Great question!