Writers: Three Good Reasons to Enter Short Story Contests
- sylviakayrose
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
I've been entering short story contests for a long time. Almost right after I started, I was delighted to see strong improvements in my writing, a great satisfaction even if I didn't win a prize. So, I thought I'd share the joy!
Short story contests can open doors to creativity, help you find your niche, and encourage you to read more. If you have a story ready or want to experiment with new ideas, contests provide a structured and motivating environment to grow as a writer.
Contests Encourage Creative Experimentation
Short story contests often come with specific themes, word limits, or genre requirements. Parameters can seem restrictive at first, but they actually push writers, and other creators like artists and musicians, to think differently.
When you have to fit a story within certain boundaries, you learn to be concise and inventive. This can lead to genre-bending or quirky ideas you might not explore otherwise. You'll also find a lot of inspiration pops up while writing.
For example, a contest might ask for a science fiction story under 1,000 words. Instead of creating a sprawling space epic, you focus on a single moment or character, which sharpens your storytelling skills. Or, it might require a story told from an unusual point of view, encouraging you to experiment with voice and perspective.
By working within these limits, you expand your own while developing discipline and allowing creativity to flourish. You learn to make every word count and to tell a compelling story quickly. This skill is valuable whether you continue writing short stories, or move on to longer projects.
Finding the Perfect Niche for Your Story
Sometimes you write a story and wonder where it fits. Short story contests can help you find the right audience and genre for your work. Many contests cater to specific niches—such as horror, romance, historical fiction, or flash fiction. Submitting your story to a contest that matches its style or theme increases the chances it will be picked up and appreciated.
For instance, if you wrote an offbeat, humorous story about everyday life, entering a contest focused on humor can highlight your strengths. If your story explores complex emotions in a brief format, a literary contest might be the perfect fit. If you're a horror writer or scribe of the weird, you'll find a number of excellent opportunities on the Horror Tree website.
This process helps you understand what kind of stories resonate with readers and judges. It also builds your confidence as you see your work recognized in the right context. Over time, you can identify the genres and styles that suit you best, guiding your future writing projects.
Reading More to Write Better
Entering contests often means reading other submissions or recommended stories. Many contests publish winning entries or provide reading lists to inspire participants. This exposure to a variety of styles and voices can improve your writing.
Reading the classics and contemporary short stories helps you see how great writers handle plot, character, and pacing in a limited space. You don’t have to commit to a full novel to gain these insights. Short stories offer quick, powerful lessons in storytelling.
For example, reading a well-crafted short story by Alice Munro or H.P. Lovecraft can teach you how to create emotional depth with few words. This knowledge translates into your own writing, making your stories stronger and more engaging.
Bonus! Practical Benefits Beyond Writing Skills
Besides improving your craft, short story contests offer practical advantages:
Exposure: Winning or placing in a contest can get your name out there. Many contests publish winners in magazines or anthologies, giving your work a wider audience.
Feedback: Some contests provide critiques or judges’ comments, which can be invaluable for growth.
Motivation: Deadlines and goals help you stay focused and productive.
Networking: Contests connect you with other writers, editors, and publishers.
These benefits can lead to more opportunities, such as invitations to submit to literary journals or even book deals.
How to Get Started
If you want to enter a short story contest, start by:
Researching contests which fit your interests and story style.
Reading past winning stories to understand what judges look for.
Revising your story carefully to meet contest guidelines.
Submitting before the deadline and keeping track of your entries.
Never fall prey to rejection dejection! Remember, rejection is part of the process. It doesn't always mean your story's bad. It just might not be the proper fit at the time. Tweak rejected submissions, if necessary; use this as a chance to improve - we can always improve - and keep writing!
Comments