Writing Contests: Why I Still Enter Them

At Scrivenings Press, we love encouraging writers at every stage of their journey. One way many authors grow their skills and gain valuable feedback is through writing contests. Today we’re welcoming guest author Jen Dodrill, who shares her honest perspective on why she continues to enter writing contests—and what writers can learn from the experience along the way.

I dabbled with writing on and off for years. When I entered my first writing contest, I didn’t tell anyone. This was long before email; everything was snail mail. A manila envelope with my entry and score sheets arrived one day. I didn’t open it until I was alone.

Crushed doesn’t begin to cover my feelings. My scores ranged from the 50s to the 90s, and I ended up with an average in the low 70s, meaning I didn’t win. Years later, I understand the power of entering writing contests much better, and I see the value in them.

Humans judge contests. Even though there is a rubric for scoring, it is subjective. Why should we, as writers, subject ourselves to these writing contests? What’s the point? Crushed feelings are not fun. Disappointment hurts. We want to be winners, have everyone love our book, and see it picked up as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.

Oh, wait, is that just me? (Reese, if you’re reading this …)

The power of entering writing contests

• Critiques – I like contests that offer critiques. Receiving constructive criticism helps us as writers. Even if it’s not constructive, it can be helpful.
• Gets your name out there. Building a name for yourself takes time. A lot of time. (I have so many ideas about this, but that’s a whole other blog post. Just a few, though – be kind, don’t gossip, follow the rules, be kind. That’s a biggie.) This is also a way to network with other authors.
• Credibility – goes along with getting your name out there. How you act before, during, and after a contest builds your credibility.
• Experience losing. We will not all be the next – fill in the blank – famous author. Losing and learning from that process and experience is invaluable. Why? Because we HAVE to learn how to write! It’s not instinctive, trust me.
• Deadlines – they’re very important. Learning to meet a deadline and follow directions (another blog post!) will help you in the long run. This also builds credibility.

How to avoid the crushing moment

Honestly, sometimes you can’t. Even if you think you have the best, most polished, incredible story that everyone should read, that will change the world, you may “lose.”

The best way to avoid that crushing moment with writing contests is to not look at them as a win/lose kind of thing. Look at them as an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, grow, experience, and probably the biggest thing of all – they make you write.

“How to write: Butt in chair. Start each day anywhere. Let yourself do it badly. Just take one passage at a time. Get butt back in chair.” – Anne Lamott

By the way, if you see the acronym BIC, it means Butt in Chair. Just a tip from me to you!

The value in entering writing contests

Here’s the truth: you must write in order to enter a contest. As much as it pains me (and you), writing a book means we have to get those scenes, words, scenarios, out of our heads and onto paper or screen. To submit anything, you have to write it.

That’s a huge step, but we can do it. BIC and write. Just start. Then, learn, study, grow, receive criticism, write more, and keep learning.

I want to challenge you to find and enter a writing contest. Contests are valuable even to published authors. Scrivenings Press hosts two contests each year, and many writing conferences do, too. Do your research, find a contest to enter, and get writing!

 

Jen Dodrill brings inspiration and hope to life through the pages of her books, telling heartfelt stories that shine in both good and challenging times. A mother of five and a proud grandma, she writes cozy mysteries, romantic suspense, and women’s fiction—fueled by her love of reading and all things coffee. Learn more at jendodrillwrites.com.

Connect with Jen on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest @jendodrillwrites.

 

 

 

Check out Jen’s latest book, No Egrets!

When the birds disappear, the secrets take flight.

Life in Stone Creek Cove is supposed to be peaceful—sunny Florida days, friendly neighbors, and a rookery of beloved egrets nesting near the creek. So when the birds vanish overnight, Peg Howard expects nothing more than a little small-town drama.

She doesn’t expect to find a body.

Volunteered to help search for the missing egrets, Peg teams up with her mother-in-law, Hazel, and quickly discovers that Stone Creek Cove has more secrets than birdwatchers. Rumors spread, tempers flare, and what started as a harmless mystery turns into a full-blown murder investigation.

Already juggling a doting grandmother role, a mischievous new puppy, and two very different men competing for her attention, Peg has no desire to become an amateur sleuth. But when cryptic clues and thinly veiled threats suggest someone wants the truth buried, Peg knows walking away isn’t an option.

As Peg and Hazel dig deeper, they uncover shady deals, long-held grudges, and motives hiding behind polite smiles. And in a town where everyone knows everyone, the killer could be closer than Peg ever imagined.

Can Peg untangle the mystery before curiosity turns deadly—or will this case cost her more than a few feathers?