Byline Magazine

Prompt: Write an alphabet poem. You can write a cute poem about a single letter. Another idea is to write a 26-line poem with each letter starting a new line to your poem.

Prizes: 1st=$35 2nd=$20 3rd=$10

Ages: All ages

Entry Fee: $3

Entry Deadline: December 12, 2008

Website: Byline Magazine

Write 2 Help!

Prompt: Write a short story about anything that you like!
Prizes: 1st=$1,000 2nd=$250 3rd=$100
Ages: 13+
Entry Fee: $10
Deadline: December 20, 2008
Website: Write 2 Help

The Austin Chronicle Short Story Contest!

Prompt: Write a short story that is no longer than 2,500 words.
Prize: $1500 divided among five winners!
Entry Deadline: December 15, 2008
Ages: All ages (you will be competing among adults)
Entry Fee: Free!
Website: The Austin Chronicle

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2009

What is the prompt? Submit art or creative writing.

Prizes: Scholarships from a pool of 3.25 million in tuition support.

Entry Deadline: There are various regional deadlines that range from November until January.

Ages: Grades 7-12

Entry Fee: FREE!

Website: The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of 2009.

My Home: The American Dream Contest

What is the prompt? Tell your own story, through both images and words, about how your home, apartment, or condominium is a special place to build memories and dreams for the future.
Prizes: 3 prizes of $2,000 and 7 prizes of $500! For teachers: There will be 3 classroom prizes! Teachers will receive a document camera valued at $600.
Entry Deadline: December 8, 2008
Ages: Grades K through 8
Entry Fee: FREE!
Website: The American Dream Contest through Scholastic

**All entries must combine a visual and written/oral component. For example, an essay without illustrations will not be considered.

Kids Can Do It!

What is the prompt? Tell us your true story about the most difficult decision you've had to make between right and wrong.
How much should you write? Up to 300 words
Prize: $50 and autographed book by Sandra Mcleod Humphrey
Entry Deadline: December 31, 2008 Entry Fee: $5
Ages: All ages (I am thinking it is geared mostly for 6th grade and below.)
Website: Kids Can Do It

Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review

What is the prompt? Ekphrasic poetry. (Poetry written in response to viewing art.)
How much should you write? There is a maximum of four poems. Essays should be no longer than 2500 words. Reviews should be less than 1500 words.
Prize: Unfortunately, there is no monetary prize for this contest. However, Borderlands is a national publication which can lead to great exposure for your work.
Entry Deadline: December 15, 2008 Entry fee: FREE
Ages: All ages (You will be competing with adults in this one!)
Website: Borderlands

Olive Garden Pasta Tales

Writing Prompt: How would you use the Internet to change your community for the better?
How much should you write? 50-250 words
Prize: A three day trip to NYC and a $2500 Savings Bond!
Submission Dates: October 6-December 5.
Entry Fee: $Free!
Ages: 1st through 12th grade
Website: Olive Garden