 Contests & Activities: December 03, 2025 Issue [#13477] |
This week: What Else Can Be Entered in a Contest? Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Contests & Activities Newsletter by Dawn
Contests and activities are often based upon writing something like a story or a poem. At times there might be a letter or blog, but not many contests explore the other options available on the site. I would like to see more contests for things like puzzles, word searches and polls. |
I have to admit something.
Often times when creating an item on this site, I forget we have other options. As a novel writer, my focus tends to be on the stories and I do poems on the side. I don't think that I've ever created a word search or a quiz. I have done a couple of polls but they don't get as much attention since it requires advertising and I am easily distracted by other things. Then there was a contest that came to my attention last month and that got me thinking about other options.
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While I didn't enter in November because I was distracted working on 3 different novels, I did have the intention to create a Yule word search. And that helped me realize that maybe some contests and activities are missing out on the potential for something different.
One good example of a contest has already ended but I want to feature it in this newsletter anyways. During the Halloween holiday season there was a contest for different holiday themed handles. The handle is the little name to use instead of your username. Like, my username is elfmage7 but my handle is Dawn Embers. I have had that handle for about 20 years now. I don't change it much, so I didn't take part in this contest but I know others who did and it was quite fun. And the handles are still visible at this time so even if you can't enter or compete, take a peek. It is amusing and might give you an idea for how you can do a different contest.
The handle is something not even on the Create an Item link but is a fun way to do a little something different. Other options can be created. Some do depend on your membership level because something like an image or an album will require a higher one than basic but there are some items on the list that can be made by most users. Here is a list of some options to consider:
Campfire Creative
In & Out
Madlib
User Poll
Word Search
Crossword Puzzle
Quiz
Image
Survey
Community Note
Audio (even I don't have this level ability but it's still an option)
While I don't have the time to put together a contest or activity at this point, I do hope some day in the future to create one that focuses on another item like the In & Out or maybe even Surveys because that could be fun. Not something to be done every week but a one time event has lots of room for creativity with these different items. And I plan to create a few of the ones I haven't done. Maybe I will even do a campfire.
What item have you never created before? Why not? I challenge you to pick one of these none static item options and to create it just to see how it goes. How long is stays on your profile is up to you. If it's long enough it could be features on a newsletter. But if it's short lived and a trial run for fun, that still counts. Have fun and let me know how it goes in the comments. 
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Have you ever entered a contest or challenge with something different, like a word search or In&Out?
Last month we discussed the question over holding items for contest judging and reviews or needing to delete to make space for new stories. There was one very good comment sent that also mentioned something I hadn't for the topic. Check it out:
Comment by Elisa, Stik of Clubs  :
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I think that contests which allow pre-existing items to be entered are woefully underrated and can help alleviate the issue of having to delete things to make room in portfolios. I'd be curious to see why this stance seems to have become less popular over time.
- Good point. I have to admit that I had always been a new item only one for my contests but have been working to change them over to allow older items that fit the prompts too.
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