Reflections on Writing Contests: A Personal Journey

Have you ever entered a writing contest? Personal experiences are a great way to share our passions and hone our skills. In this piece, I'll share my thoughts and experiences with writing contests, from the perspective of both a competitor and a critic. My journey has taken me through various competitions, each with its own set of challenges and learnings.

My First Entrant: The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

My very first entrance into the world of writing contests was the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition. This competition is designed for young writers between the ages of 7 and 18. Participants submit a piece of writing, which is then judged by a panel of experts. The top winners travel to London, where they have the honor of reading their work to the queen, honored with various awards for their efforts.

My first attempt was not particularly successful. I submitted a short story about a wall and two children from different ethnic backgrounds trying to communicate with each other. Unfortunately, the story itself was poorly constructed, and the judges knew it. Despite not winning, the competition was still a memorable experience, and I received a participation award. It was a moment of mixed emotions—sadness for the initial failure and joy knowing I had still done something worthwhile.

Months later, I attempted again and wrote a poem that truly captured my emotions. This time, the judges were impressed, and I was awarded a gold certificate and a small sum of money. My primary school newsletter featured my work, making me the focus of attention for a short while. The financial reward was never cashed, and whether it has expired is now uncertain, but the experience of recognition remains memorable.

The Art of Writing: A Personal Opinion

I must admit, the concept of writing contests doesn't always sit well with me. The idea of expert judges or participants deciding what makes good or bad writing is a bit too structured for my taste. After all, writing is an art, and art is subjective. I have my own preferences, like Steinbeck's storytelling with a romantic element, while others might prefer different styles.

Writing contests often come with predefined criteria that can stifle creativity. They may focus on formal language and conventional story structures, which can limit the expression of innovative and unique narratives. As a writer, my concern is that such contests might either discourage aspiring writers by setting unrealistic standards or, in the worst case, promote poor writing that might hinder future development.

Why Write? Let Your Heart and Soul Shine Through

Instead of competing, I believe in simply expressing yourself through writing. Write from your heart, putting your soul into it, and don't worry too much about the outcome. Every writer has a unique voice and style. Allow yourself to explore and experiment without the pressure of competition.

Writing is a journey of self-discovery and growth. It involves connecting with your audience, finding your voice, and understanding what resonates with others. While winning can be rewarding, it's not the only measure of success. The true value lies in the personal satisfaction and the ability to touch others through your work.

So, if you're considering entering a writing contest, go for it, but remember to write for yourself first. And, as always, there will be more to come. Stay tuned for updates and inspiration!

Shanti, dear Cindy.