Writing Contests
Multiple Writing Contests
Our selection of writing contests includes something for everyone. Prizes will be awarded during our lunch break. Honorable Mentions will receive a certificate. Thanks to all who have sponsored a contest. You do not have to attend the conference to enter the writing contests.
Entries for the Writers Ink Contest will be received until midnight on August 15, 2026. A writer can submit entries electronically via email. Our group email address is:
Paper entries may also be sent by US Mail:
Martha Rodriquez
3368 Greene 138
Paragould, AR 72450
Entry fee for contests:
First Entry: $5.00
Three Entries: $10
Unlimited Entries: $25.00
Entry Forms for the contest may be downloaded at this link: https://writersinkofnea.com/contest-entry-form
Contest entry and booth rental fees may be sent with registration by check. Please indicate your contest entries on your registration form.
- What Happened When the Lights Went Out?
Mystery short story. A mysterious power outage lasted exactly 13 hours. When the lights came back on, something was different.
2,000 – 2,500 words.
Sponsor: Adams Nursery
$100/$50/$25
2. Let’s Share the History
Short story or creative Nonfiction. Highlight a real event of local history from where you live. Use accurate historical details to highlight the time period. The time range is from 1686 – 1945. 3,000 words.
Sponsor: Scotchwood Hill Publishing Services
$100/$50/$25
3. Animals Are Special
Children’s story. Tell a story about an animal that won a special place in a child’s heart. 750 words
Sponsor: Debbie Archer
$75/$15/$10
4. Second Thoughts
Personal essay. Write about a time in your life when you questioned something you had always believed. 1,000 – 1,500 words.
Sponsor: Designer Jewelry by Becca
$35/$15/$10
5. Doesn’t Make a Difference
Children’s Story. Write a story about a child learning to make friends with people who are different from them.
Sponsor: Elite Dance Studio
$25/$15/$10
6. Bigfoot Lives
Tall Tale. Write me a Bigfoot Tale, fiction or nonfiction.
2000 – 3000words.
Sponsor: Mary Cambron-Collard
$25/$15/$10
7. Snakes
Personal Essay. Tell me your story. Write about a time when you encountered a snake. Did it create a fear, or a fascination?
1000-1500 words
Sponsor: Brenda Rawls
$25/$15/$10
8. Playing with Poetry
Poetry. Write three nature poems, one each in the form of a sonnet, free verse, and haiku.
No more than 32 lines for each poem.
Sponsor: Ruben Rodriguez
$25/$15/$10
9. Make Us Laugh
Autobiographical humorous story–clean. 500-800 words.
Sponsor: Reva Worley
$25/$15/$10
10. Fiction in a Flash
Flash Fiction Write a flash fiction with a surprise ending set in the Old West. 250 words.
Sponsor: Ruben Rodriguez
$25/$15/$10
11. Time Travel Story
250 Years Ago in America… A chance to Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of America. Write a short story about a character traveling back in time to witness an event that shaped the birth of America. 1500-2000 words
Sponsor: Trish Copeland
$25/$15/$10
Are you ready to register?
Don’t miss this one-day conference, featuring an Arkansas Hall of Fame author and many fun-filled sessions.