Where to enter offbeat writing contests
Published: August 1, 2003
The following are my favorite sources for wacky and original writing contests.
Contest Web sites
These include www.contesthound.com, www.redhotsweeps.com, www.cashnetsweeps.com and www.essaycontests.com. Click on "Creative Entry," "Writing Contests" or "Skill and Knowledge Contests." (The sweepstakes entries at these sites can be fun, too, but are based purely on chance and require no skill to enter.)
Contest newsletters
These may offer only one or two writing contests in a sea of sweepstakes, but they often list contests no one else does. The newsletters include Sweep Sheet at www.sweepsheet.com and Playle's Sweepstakes Monthly at www.playle.com/psw.
Radio promotions
Radio stations like to challenge listeners with creative writing contests because they can entertain the audience with the results and thereby boost ratings. I've won tickets to magic shows, sporting events and a weekend in a ritzy island lodge. Last year, I won two $75 tickets and backstage privileges to a Kenny G concert for crafting a limerick for a radio station on "Why I am Kenny G's biggest fan." Fast-track tip: Visit radio station Web sites for contest listings and entry details.
Newspaper announcements
I entered my local newspaper's bad-writing contest and won lunch at a pricey French restaurant. Look for special columns or bulletin boards listing contests. My paper has a Wednesday feature called "A La Carte" that lists food-related writing contests. |