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 July 31, 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 Piece: $5.00
Each Additional Piece $3.00
Seven or More Pieces $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
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
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
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
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
Bigfoot Lives
Tall Tale. Write me a Bigfoot Tale, fiction or nonfiction.
2000 – 3000words.
Sponsor: Mary Cambron-Collard
$25/$15/$10
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
Playing with Poetry
Poetry. Write three nature poems, one each in the form of a sonnet, free verse, and haiku.
2,000 – 2,500 words.
Sponsor: Ruben Rodriguez
$25/$15/$10
Make Us Laugh
Autobiographical humorous story–clean. 500-800 words.
Sponsor: Reva Worley
$25/$15/$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
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.