5th Annual Creative Writing Contest
The 5th Annual MACOA Creative Writing Contest is Here!
Calling all storytellers, poets, and wordsmiths—it’s time to put pen to paper, or in this case, fingers to keys, and bring your creativity to life! Mineral Area Council on the Arts (MACOA) is thrilled to announce the return of our annual Creative Writing Contest, and we want YOU to be a part of it!
This year’s theme is HOME—a word that carries so much meaning, emotion, and personal interpretation. Whether your story is about a place, a feeling, a memory, or even a dream, we can’t wait to read how you bring this theme to life through your words.
Contest Categories & Divisions:
Writers can submit entries in the following genres:
- Essay (limit of 3,000 words)
- Poetry (limit of 3,000 words)
- Short Story (limit of 3,000 words)
There will be one winner per genre in two age divisions:
- 9th-12th Grade (now open to 9th graders!)
- Adult
Important Dates & How to Enter:
- The contest is open from February 3rd – April 1st, 2025.
- All entries must be submitted as a PDF document via email to MACOACreativeWriting@MineralArea.edu or by mail to Attn: MACOA, PO Box 1000, Park Hills, MO 63601 by 4:00 p.m. on April 1st, 2025.
- The contest is open to residents in Iron, Madison, Perry, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, and Washington counties in Missouri.
Submission Guidelines:
- Each author may submit only one entry per genre.
- All entries must relate to the theme HOME.
- Submissions will be judged on quality of writing, originality, structure, style, and overall impact.
- Entries must be typed in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced.
- Submissions must be unpublished or self-published only.
- Handwritten entries will not be accepted.
- Entries must include the entry form, but do not include your name or age on the work itself to ensure fair, anonymous judging.
Awards & Recognition:
- Winners will receive a cash prize and the opportunity for a public reading of their work.
- Winning entries will be published on www.MineralAreaArts.org.
- One grand prize winner will have their work published in the Daily Journal!
- Winners will be announced on April 15th at the awards ceremony and online on April 16th.
Creative Writing Workshop & Awards Ceremony:
Join us as we celebrate creativity at the Farmington Library on April 15th at 5:00 PM. The event will feature a Creative Writing Workshop followed by a public reading of the winning entries. Whether you’re a contestant, a supporter, or just love the art of storytelling, this is an event you won’t want to miss! This event is free to the public!
This is your chance to share your voice, express your creativity, and be part of a growing community of passionate writers. We can’t wait to read your words!
📢 Start writing today and submit your masterpiece! 🖊️✨
For more information about the contest or other MACOA events and contests, follow us on Facebook (Mineral Area Council on the Arts) and Instagram (@mineralareaarts)
The Mineral Area Council on the Arts (MACOA) is dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in the Mineral Area. Through concerts, performances, art shows, workshops, and other community-focused events, MACOA aims to enhance cultural offerings, foster creative expression, and enrich the community through the arts.
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