Embracing the Zen of Writing Contests
Writing contests might seem intimidating at first.
You might think, “What if my story isn’t good enough? What if someone else’s work outshines mine? What if nobody likes what I write?”
Yeah, you feel that anxiety monster clawing its way to the surface, don’t you?
But here’s what I think.
Writing contests aren’t about beating others.
They’re about challenging yourself.
Let’s Get All Zen About It
Okay, take a long, deep breath, feel the floor under your toes (or your butt in a chair), and slowly exhale, concentrating on the present moment. Accept that …
Yes, you’ll pay real money to enter a contest. It might be as little as a morning coffee or as much as a night out. Just accept it. It takes labor and materials to put on a contest. The people who do it should be fairly compensated. Accept the fact that you’re going to be out a few bucks. Farewell, sweet money; you were meant to be spent. Kisses.
Yes, there’ll be lots of competition. Most writing contests have hundreds of participants, sometimes thousands, and the likelihood you’ll earn back that money is slim. Like all gambling, don’t spend more than you couldn’t afford to lose.
Yes, you are vulnerable. You’re laying your work on the line for evaluation and critique by strangers. You’re setting yourself up for a fall — disappointment and rejection are tough feelings. It's time to noodle through those, buster. Emotional processing is your responsibility!
Yes, you’re taking a risk. You’ve real jeopardy here: money, time, the sweet taste of appreciation, and the fear of rejection. You’ll likely receive criticism about your work, not just brainless praise from your friends or aunt. (Uh-huh. Did they read your story, or are they just placating you? Think about it.)
Embrace the moment; feel the burn. Realize that you’re doing the same thing you’d typically do if you were trying to publish your work.
You spent the time to write a story — time is money.
You find a call for submission where your story might fit and submit the work for consideration.
You bite your nails and await the verdict. You’re vulnerable, and there’s competition for an editor’s attention.
Odds say you’ll receive a rejection, but that makes the acceptance letter even more vindicating.
And a risk taken resulted in failure or reward.
Contests Are Practice
By entering a contest, you’re practicing for the real world of writing and publication. Think of writing contests like runners think of 5Ks. It’s not about crossing the finish line first. It’s about pushing your limits, gaining experience, and always learning something new.
For writers, contests are a way to sharpen skills, build confidence, and grow into better storytellers. You’re learning — in the moment — while doing. I don’t know about you, but doing is the only way I know how to improve my writing. Heck, it’s why I write this blog.
When you enter a writing contest, you commit to crafting something within constraints — word count, theme, or genre — delivered in a certain amount of time. These constraints often force creativity to a boil on the stovetop of your brain. You learn to say more with less, to focus your narrative, create compelling characters, and polish your prose until it shines.
But let’s get back to the Zen of it all.
Winning? Sure, it’s a great feeling and elevates the smug in your life, but it’s not the heart of the experience. Go deeper. The real magic lies in showing up and being in the moment, even when you lose.
In performing the acts of writing, editing, and submitting, you learn to quiet the inner critic and let your creative voice flow. Every contest is a stepping stone on your journey to mastering the art of storytelling.
And let’s not forget the community. Writing contests bring together people who share your passion. There’s camaraderie in knowing that others are staying up late, wrestling with characters and plot twists, and wondering if they’ve gotten that ending just right. Contests foster an invaluable connection, whether exchanging feedback, sharing struggles, or cheering each other on.
Ultimately, You Are in a Contest With Yourself
Isn’t that true?
Embrace the challenge. Push yourself. Treat every contest as a chance to grow, celebrate storytelling, and practice the craft. You’re not competing against others; you’re competing with yourself to improve, step by step, just like runners prepare for a marathon.
Next time you see a writing contest pop up, don’t hesitate.
Jump.
Embrace the moment.
Write boldly and submit proudly.
No matter the outcome, you’ll come away with something far more valuable than a prize: the satisfaction of knowing you gave it your all. Maybe you’ll get knocked down. Maybe you’ll learn something about yourself. Perhaps you’ll improve? Why, you might even win!
Regardless, isn’t the price for that journey the best $30 you’ve ever spent?
R