Writing Contests

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Contests Announced Today


Christmas 5-7-5

Write a 5-7-5 poem that captures your favorite part of Christmas. Whether it?s the twinkling lights, the cozy moments with family, or the joy of giving, let your creativity shine!
14 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


~ Christmas Family Story ~ (Horror)

Christmas family horror ~ READ ALL RULES!!!
17 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline



Contests That Close Soon



Western Writing Contest

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


The Dark

Write a story where your character is stuck in complete darkness. Fiction only.
11 Spots Left    30 Days No Win     
Deadline


Historical Fiction

Genre series: Historical Fiction
Fictional story, 1000 words +
12 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline




All Contests



The Grinch

Write a story that starts with the sentence: "This is the story of how I became worse than the Grinch."
17 Spots Left    30 Days No Win     
Deadline


One Word Base Poem

Pick any one word and rhyme it to create a poem.
10 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


Christmas Story

Share a story that somehow involves Christmas. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Christmas Poetry

Write a free verse poem about Christmas. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


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. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Sacrifice your autobiography

An autobiography for others to freely read, but you are anonymous, so looking at your past can help you deal with today.
14 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


Fortean Phenomena

A news story of high strangeness. 300 words minimum.
17 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


Dialogue Only Writing Contest

Write a story using only dialogue. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Blank Expression

Blank Verse Only. Your subject is unpeopled and natural - the sea, the night sky, a season, a landscape etc. Be articulate, creative & rich in your imagery & word choice (but comprehensible). No religion or politics.
6 Spots Left    Open To All     
Deadline


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. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


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. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Sonnet Poetry Contest

Just like Shakespeare did, discover the rhythm and rhyme scheme of the Shakespearean sonnet. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


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. Cash prize to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline


Lune Poetry Contest

A Lune poem is a short and fun poetry form with only three lines. View the contest announcement for an example. This contest has a cash prize.
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 to the winner.
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. Enter for your chance at the 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.
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. The winner takes away 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.
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. 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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Feb 28th


Erotic Writing Contest

Write an erotic fiction story. 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. 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.
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. Cash prize to the winner.
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. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Mar 28th


This Sentence Starts The Story

Write a story that starts with this sentence: Let me tell you about my day. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 2nd


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. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 6th


Free Verse Love Poem

Write a free verse love poem. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 12th


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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 16th


My Faith Poetry

Share a poem that is about your faith or how faith has impacted your life. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 22nd


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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Apr 26th


True Story Flash

Write a non-fiction story on any topic that uses exactly 100 words. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
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. This contest has a cash prize.
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. This contest has 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! This contest has a cash prize.
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. 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


Romance Writing Contest

Write a romance story. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline May 22nd


Poem For A Child

Can you write a poem that brings a smile to a child? This contest has a 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. The winner takes away a 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.
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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 8th


Sci Fi or Fantasy Writing Contest

Write a science fiction or fantasy story. Enter for your chance at the 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. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jun 15th


Romance Poetry Contest

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


Share Your Story

Write about an event in your life. Share your story. This contest has 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? The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 3rd


75 Words Flash Fiction

Write a story on any topic that uses 75 words. Cash Prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 3rd


Rhyming Poetry Contest

Write a poem of any type that has a rhyme. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
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. The winner takes away a 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! This contest has 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. Enter for your chance at the cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Jul 25th


Fantasy Writing Contest

Write a fantasy story. Enter for your chance at the 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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 3rd


Rhyming Poem

Write a poem of any type that has a rhyme scheme. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 7th


A First Book Chapter

For this contest share the first chapter of your novel. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 9th


16 Words or Less Poem

Write a poem with sixteen 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. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 16th


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 Aug 17th


Free Form Poem

Free form is a method of writing poetry, which does not essentially follow any structure or style. Topic is on open. Share your best free form for this poetry contest. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 20th


20 Syllable Poem

Write a poem that has exactly 20 syllables. Any format. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 24th


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 to the winner.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 26th


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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Aug 30th


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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Sep 4th


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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Sep 10th


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. This contest has a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Sep 15th


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 Sep 18th


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. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Sep 22nd


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. The winner takes away a cash prize.
Cash Prize    Open To All     
Deadline Sep 28th


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.