The topic that every writer takes on at some point is: “Why I Write.” In fact, reflecting on what compels a writer could be a genre in itself. You might say it’s the literary equivalent of an artist’s self-portrait.
That’s why I’m so excited to announce that Editor Unleashed is once again teaming up with Smashwords to present a writing contest with a theme:
Why I Write…
You may remember the popular Editor Unleashed/Smashwords Flash Fiction 40 contest. The top 40 winners were published in an anthology at Smashwords.
This time around we’re looking for great essayists and evocative theme-based nonfiction. This contest will feature a popular ranking on the forum along with final judging by an editorial team. The 50 best essays will be included in the “Why I Write” anthology on Smashwords. And one Grand Prize winner will receive $500 and promotion here and on Smashwords.
Mark Your Calendar:
• The Rules Posted here: Monday, November 2
• Post Your Entry: Monday, November 9 – Thursday, December 31
• Popular Ranking: Monday, January 4 – Friday, January 29
Questions or comments? Post them here. And be sure to subscribe to this blog (free!) and follow me on Twitter to get contest updates.
Now go get started on those essays!
-Maria Schneider
{ 4 trackbacks }
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
I really like this idea.
For December, the topic should be Why I Stopped Writing And Started Enjoying The World Around Me Without A Writer’s Eye.
Ah, that’s just a suggestion. I couldn’t imagine the world through anything BUT a writer’s eyes.
This sounds very interesting. I’ll have to try it out, especially since I have two stories about why I decided to become a writer, and I’m not sure which one’s true.
What will the target essay length be?
Is there a word count or range?
Hi Gang,
There will be a word count but I haven’t determined what it will be yet. Most likely 750 words.
Don’t forget to send me the guidelines, Maria, and I’ll post it in the FundsforWriters newsletter and on the website. Might even enter myself!
Hope Clark
FundsforWriters.com
Thanks for running this competition – what a great idea. I will post the details of this competition on my online writers’ website (as I do many of your other posts) here – http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=246336045713&ref=search.
cheers,
Pam
Looking forward to the contest Maria and the answers provided by the participants. Should be a good dose of humor, wisdom, and pith.
–John
Hey — a theme! :-)
What a great contest, Maria. Should be exciting.
~jon
A great contest as I’ve been just pondering this same question. It was triggered by some material I read for my writing program. Maybe now I can answer it in an essay.
YAY! How fun! Thanks Maria.
~2
It’s going to be tough though. I am not really sure why I write… going to have to think this over *scratches her head*
I think this is a *BRILLIANT* theme. I’m so excited to support this.
Does it have to be new, or can it be 10 years old. Ha – ha. Do reasons change with the years?
Great theme, Maria! One I revisit often.
I love this contest idea. The art of the essay is so often overlooked.
Great info on {the topic of the blog}. It will guide many of the readers.
essay papers/a>
Since I’ll be participating in NaNoWriMo, I might as well throw my hat in with this.
Sounds like fun. Now I just have to figure out why I write.
I’m in. What are the requirements? Length, dos and do nots (Danish?)
thanks!
Wally Gator
I’m in. I know why I write. Once documented, to whom is it sent?
Thanks
Marion
How does the popularity of an essay get decided? Do we send people to this link and have them read? Is it based on the replies a writer gets? I didn’t see any vote buttons.
@Monette, Paul, Marion, It’s explained in the contest rules that are posted in the forum. Here’s the link:
http://editorunleashed.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2865
Popular ranking starts January 4.
Well, it doesn’t really explain how popular ranking works, at least, not to me, but that’s okay – I’ll wait to January 4th and find out!
I’m in! I’ll send my essay within a couple weeks.
Hehe..sounds good. Can it be written in prose style or does it need a thesis like a typical academic essay?
Anyone..let me know!
I just came across this blog and am interested in entering the contest, however, when I click the link above to read the rules, all I get is a blank page. How do I go about accessing the rules for the contest, is there another method, such as searching by date, and how does that work?
Thanks
Ha! Okay, never mind, I found the page under the Writing Competitions link.