Longwood Young writers competition

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This year's theme arises from the contest directors' admiration for Gen Z's willingness to act on what they believe.

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However, this theme can be interpreted in any way by the writers. Feel free to play!

 

We welcome submissions from students living and attending high school throughout Virginia. Homeschooled students are also welcome, with the appropriate mentor contact.

 

Students in the 9th-12th grades are invited to enter by submitting to one of the following categories:

• Poetry: A group of three poems (one poem per page, not more than 5 pages)

• Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer)

• Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)

 

A winner and two finalists will be selected in each category. There is no entry fee.

 

All entries must be original work reviewed, approved and sponsored by a high school teacher. We will use your sponsoring teacher as a contact for the competition should we have any questions. For homeschooled students, please contact a mentor to sponsor your writing. The teacher/mentor must complete and attach the required cover sheet.

 

When to Submit: Submissions will be accepted from February 1 to March 1, 2024.

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How to Submit: Email submissions and required cover sheet as Word attachments to luyoungwriters@gmail.com

 

Please complete the subject line on the email as follows: Genre, Student Name, High School, Grade

 

Awards & Recognition

Winners will be notified by April 1, 2024. Winners in each category will be awarded $100.

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The winner and two finalists in each category will be honored at an award reception and their selected submissions will be published in a Longwood University-associated publication (to be announced). 

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Contact: For additional information or questions, email Mary Carroll-Hackett, Contest Coordinator, carrollhackettma@longwood.edu

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Click here to download the submission cover sheet.

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Click here to download the call for submissions.

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