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Two contests crossed my desk that I thought might be interesting. The first is for anyone. Chronicle Books is looking for a new humorous book, of any length or genre, to publish as their second (annual?), The Great Tumblr Book Search. Unpublished writers are encouraged to submit a story.

For every hit, there has to be a sequel. The Great Tumblr Book Search is back and the search for the next big humor book is on! Last year, Chronicle Books partnered with Tumblr on the first-annual Great Tumblr Book Search. The winning Tumblr was Sht Rough Drafts by Paul Laudiero. Chronicle offered Laudiero a publishing contract and now Sht Rough Drafts the book is coming to a bookstore near you on April 15th. And YOU could be next!

How to Enter:  Use Tumblr to explain your humor book idea. Then our editors will judge the entries and choose a grand-prize winner whose idea will be considered for publication. You may use an existing Tumblr or create a new Tumblr to illustrate your book idea. Just make us laugh!

Contest Details at Chronicle Books Tumblr

Hurry, the contest ends 3/31/2014. Read the official rules and submit your Tumblr entry now! Winners will be announced by April 30th.

1 Grand Prize:

• Book idea considered for publication
• $300 of Chronicle books
•  Feedback session with a Chronicle Books editor

3 Runners-Up:

• $100 of Chronicle books
• Written critique from Chronicle Books editors

Questions? Email [email protected]

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“The second contest is for kids. Peachtree Publisher is asking kids to write an essay in celebration of the April release of Charlie Bumpers and the Nice Gnome (reviewed here). Mrs. Burke, Charlie’s teacher, will explain.

You vs. Who? Contest & Giveaway

“Since the title of Teacher of the Year was bestowed upon me, I’ve received a number of inquiries on an array of subjects.

“What is my first name? What activities are best for fourth graders? Did I suffer any lasting effects from the flying sneaker incident? How is my snap so impressively loud?

“I’ve been asked to answer a few of those questions here today.

“The Snap”

“The snap, I’m afraid, is one of the most fiercely guarded secrets of the Empire—Mrs. Burke’s Empire, that is. The technique was passed down in a sacred trust from my mother, and I couldn’t possibly divulge it here.

“Actually, I suppose I could, but my hood of ninjas would instantaneously escort every person reading this post to a remote island surrounded by man-eating octopi. I doubt the secret of the snap would do you much good in such an exile.

“Activities, however, I am happy to share!

“1. Plays:  Each year, the citizens of Mrs. Burke’s Empire perform a play. I’m not given to bragging, but this year’s—The Sorcerer’s Castle—might be this director’s masterpiece. I’ve found that my students learn quite a bit about themselves when they’re forced to play someone else.

“2. Writing:  I suggest having your students write about their own experiences. Here’s a prompt that works well with my own students: You vs. Who?

“Students must write a story about a time they faced some sort of obstacle. Stories can be silly or serious; true or fictional; about school, home, or extra-curriculars! Give it a title like Suzie Rice vs. The Vacuum of Suction Destruction or Mrs. Burke vs. The Slippery Ramen Noodle.

“3. Contests:  When all other hope is lost and mutiny seems inescapable, make it a contest. In fact, let’s do just that! Have your child, student, or library patrons answer the You vs. Who? prompt.

“You (the teacher, librarian, parent, etc.) must send the stories to the folks at Peachtree Publishers via e-mail or snail mail before the deadline. (March 26, 2014) See details below. Win a glorious prize and bring honor to your own empire!”

CONTEST DETAILS

PRIZE: Peachtree Publishers is giving away ten (10) Charlie Bumpers prize packs!

Nine winners will receive one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year, (reviewed HERE), and one (1) galley of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Really Nice Gnome (April 2014!).

One Grand Prize winner will receive one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year, one (1) hardcover copy of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Really Nice Gnome, and one (1) Audio Book CD of Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year (performed by author and Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Bill Harley!).

TO ENTER: Students must write a story about a time they faced some sort of obstacle like Charlie does. Adult must send the stories in to Peachtree Publishers via e-mail or snail mail. Stories can be silly or serious; true or fictional; about school, home, or extra-curriculars!

E-mail Address:  publicity(at)peachtree(dash)online(dot)com

Snail Mail Address:

Peachtree Publishers

Publicity Dept.

1700 Chattahoochee Ave.

Atlanta, GA 30318

DEADLINE: Contest ends March 26, 2014, at 11:59 pm EST

OPEN TO: US Addresses Only

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Okay, what are you waiting for? Get those sharp pencils or fully charged computer out and get to writing. Imagination encouraged!

Mrs. P…from the fabulous website http://www.mrsp.com is hosting her 5th annual Be-A-Famous-Writer contest for grades K-4.  Beginning in September, your child’s teacher can enter for the classroom.  So if you have a child who loves to tell or write stories, now is the perfect time to have some of those stories published on Mrs. P’s web page. Her site is also filled with stories to read and listen to.  Mrs. P reads some of her favorites in her own unique way.  Be sure to check out her site for the full details.  Happy writing!

My good cyber buddy, Clara Gillow Clark, is having her second annual Spilling Ink writing contest for children in grades 4 to 8! Spilling Ink by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter is a great resource book for your classroom or your home–it’s a young writer’s handbook. On her blog, Clara says, “Spilling Ink is a humorous and inspiring book of advice, questions, and writing prompts for young writers.”

Basically,the contest goes like this: Write 200-300 words on one of these writing prompts:

Writing Prompts from Spilling Ink, the Book:
Writing Prompt #1: I DARE YOU Rewrite a scene from your life. Think of something that happened today. Something that wasn’t perfect–maybe something that was even downright mortifying–and rewrite it as you would have wanted it to happen. (Tip from Clara: Remember that scenes have a beginning, middle, and end!)

Writing Prompt #2: I DARE YOU Think of two people you admire. Now think of the thing you admire most about each of them. Combine those two qualities into one person and write about that person in the following situation: She or he is walking down the street and a strange man hands your character a small sealed carton and says, “Don’t let anything happen to this!” Then the man sprints away. What does your character do next?

Writing Prompt #3 from Wendy Townsend and Clara Gillow Clark: Is there a pet you wish you could have? Is it a wild animal? Maybe a goldfish, cat, dog, white mouse, a lizard or a snake? Perhaps, your pet is imaginary? You really really want this pet. Write about all the ways you might go about getting this pet. Now write a scene where you put that plan into action.

After you (students/kids) write your piece, you e-mail it to: [email protected] by May 1. You can win cash prizes, books, and a publication opportunity on Clara’s blog. For all the details, check out the post here.

If you are interested in Spilling Ink, click on the link below:

photo by mrbill www.flickr.com

On Saturday, April 24, I am involved in a very exciting event in St. Peters, Missouri with a writing group I belong to–Saturday Writers. Every year, we sponsor free writing contests for kids and teens; and this Saturday, we hand out the awards. Basically, we have a short story/poetry contest for third and fourth graders in St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren counties (in Missouri) and a short story contest for teenagers in the same counties. This year, we had 129 entries for the elementary students and close to 100 for the teens. How exciting! But what’s even more exciting is when I get a call or e-mail from parents or teachers, telling me how excited their students or children are to have received first place or honorable mention or even the participation award. These students wrote pieces from their hearts, took them through to their final drafts, entered them for someone else to read, and then felt validation (I am assuming) when they are awarded something for their efforts. And I have to hope that in this bunch of kids and teens, we are creating some life-long writers with Saturday Writers writing contests for kids!

I remember a writing contest I entered in second grade. Is it what led to my love of writing now? The writing contest was to write a cheer for our school mascot–the Dressel Dragons. I wrote one, turned it in at the office, and the student body voted on it. (I can’t ever imagine putting my writing through a vote now–but back then, what did I know?) Do you want to hear my award-winning, first-place cheer? I can still remember it!! Hey kids, listen here./ We’ve got a school that’s hard to beat!/ And we’ve got teachers who are super neat!/ So come on over and stomp your feet./ Yay! Dressel Dragons, yay! So, what do you think? The point is I entered a writing contest for kids, actually won, and today I can’t imagine doing anything else besides writing with my life.

As teachers and parents, we often see or receive notices of writing contests for kids, and we just kind of push them aside. Have you ever thought: We don’t have time for this writing contest. My kids don’t like to write. How will these students ever be able to write 1,000 words? I guess my point is that although you can’t do every writing contest that comes your way and neither can your students, it would be great if we gave them the opportunity to enter a few throughout the year–possibly in different genres. Work them into your language arts curriculum. Look for writing contests in the summer when you want your children/students to practice their skills. We just never know what getting an honorable mention certificate might do for a child’s self-confidence or even future.

Here are some contests to check out. Please read all the guidelines and rules yourself before entering your students or children into these contests:

*Amazing Kids Contests
* Creative Communication: Your Writing Contest Headquarters
*The Betty Award

If you know of any writing contests for kids in your area or nationwide, feel free to leave a link or description in the comments. Thanks!