Creative Writing Starts Now

31st Annual Friends of WNPL Cretaive Writing Contest 2024

It’s time for the 31st annual Friends of the Library Creative Writing Contest!

Click here for a PDF copy of the rules.

Click here for an official entry form.

Categories

Short Story (fiction)
Poetry

Limited to two entries in each category per person; please no graphic novels.

Age Groups

Grades 3, 4, and 5
Grades 6, 7, and 8
High School
Adult

Short Story Length

Grades 3 through 8: Up to 4 pages
High School and Adult: Up to 5 pages

Poetry Length

Maximum of 50 lines for all age groups

Formatting

Only original materials may be entered.

All entries must be single-sided and double-spaced, with one-inch margins, and in 12 pt. Times New Roman or Arial font.

Each entry must have a completed Entry Form as a cover page.

DO NOT write your name on the pages of your entry.

DO NOT staple the pages of your entry together – a paper clip, envelope, or folder is admissible.

Entries that do not follow formatting guidelines or are submitted after the deadline will be removed from consideration.

All materials may be used by the library for educational/informational purposes.

Works may only be submitted for consideration one time. Duplicate entries from previous years will not be entered into the contest.

Prizes

Will be awarded (with a certificate) to winners in all categories (a total of 24 prizes) as follows:
$50 First Place
$30 Second Place
$20 Third Place

Deadline

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Mail or Deliver To

Friends of the Warren-Newport Public Library
Attn: Creative Writing Contest
224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee, IL 60031

Email: creativewriting@wnpl.info

Sorry, no international entries–U.S. only

Judges

Comprised of WNPL employees and community volunteers who are approved by the Friends of the Library

Winners (Only)

Will be notified the week of March 25, 2024.

Winning entries may be on display on the library’s website or social media.

Awards Ceremony

Sunday, April 14, 2024