Write-On Competition for Grades 4-12
Looking for a way to showcase your writing skills? Want to win cash prizes? Then, submit your entry to Write-On! There are three levels of competition: Grades 4–6, 7–8, and 9–12. Every level has two categories for submission: "Short Stories" and "Poetry." Submissions for the 2024 competition are open now through Wednesday, Oct. 30. Enter to submit yours.
As part of Write-On, we host an author event, where we announce the winners of the competition. Write-On is generously sponsored by the Gift of Carl Foundation.
An Evening with Misa Sugiura
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7-8 p.m.
A night for kids grades 4-12 and adults. Even if you didn't enter the contest, you're invited to attend.
Misa Sugiura writes middle-grade and YA fiction and grew up in Chicago. Her first YA novel, It’s Not Like It’s A Secret, won the Asian Pacific Islander American Librarians’ Association’s Award for Young Adult Literature, and the second book in her middle-grade series, Momo Arashima Breaks the Mirror of the Sun, was released in February.
Submission Guidelines
There are three levels of competition: Grades 4–6, 7–8, and 9–12. Cash prizes for first, second, and third, respectively.
Submission Guidelines
- Submissions for the 2024 competition open on Monday, Oct. 7, and close on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
- Original short stories must be 2,000-6,000 words. Poetry and song lyrics may be any length. All words must be your own.
- Entrants may enter up to three submissions in each category.
- Entries must be typed, double-spaced, and in a 12-point font.
- Spelling, grammar, and punctuation count.
- Students who enter the contest must attend a school or live in the Indian Prairie Public Library District.
- Submit online entries as a Word (.docx) file.
About the Gift of Carl
Write-On is generously sponsored by the Gift of Carl Foundation, which is named in memory of Carl Vuillaume. Carl was a lover of reading, writing, music, and the outdoors, living by the motto “carpe diem.” Tragically, Carl drowned while vacationing with his family in 2005 at the age of 16. His family received donations and wanted to do something positive with the money—the Gift of Carl Foundation was born. His family approached the library about doing something that would have a lasting impact and honor Carl’s love for the arts and outdoors.
