Writing Competitions
Entering writing competitions is a powerful way for high school students to grow as writers and storytellers. These contests challenge you to think creatively, refine your voice, and share your unique perspective with a wider audience. Beyond the chance to win awards or scholarships, they help you build confidence, receive valuable feedback, and strengthen skills that carry into college and future careers. Whether you write poetry, personal essays, fiction, or journalism, competitions give your words purpose and momentum—every submission is a step forward in discovering what you can do.
The Iron Pen Contests invites anyone who wants to to participate in this 24-hour challenge.
​
Registration Open!
$10 per registration / February 27-28
Here's how it works:
-Friday at 5pm - prompt is announced (via email to participants, website, social media)
-Saturday at 5pm - submissions are due for the contest
Writers can register as many times as they want in as many categories as they want (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) for $10 per registration. Each registration = 1 entry to win free tuition to the Collins Writers' Conference.
Writing must relate to the topic and prose pieces are limited to 2000 words. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 16 and an awards ceremony + reading event will take place on Saturday, March 28.
Winners in each category will receive $50 and a medal, 2nd and 3rd places will also receive prizes. Winners and honorable mentions will also receive a publication opportunity with MWC Press.
Registration & details can be found here.