This week: Looking at Choices for Poetic Contests Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Contests & Activities Newsletter by Dawn
My ramble thoughts shared on some options you can consider if creating a poetry contest. Also, a look at ways to enter or what to look for in making either the contest or an activity with a focus on poetry. |
There are many ways one can start on the path to becoming a writer and using the site. Writimg assignments at school might be a common source of guideance or, at least mark a beginning. I don't remember the early lessons as a kid since that was a long time ago but I have worked with kids who loved to tell stories. What I do remember is writing bad poetry on my own as a teen. Later, some of my first writing for this site was to post poems I had written in a book from recent years. In some ways, poetry was the starting point for my journey on the site even thought I had other writing experiences before that in stories and assignments. I have noticed that a number of newbies also have first items that are in the poetry category, so I can understand why someone might create a contest for poetry.
Poetry is somewhat easier to read due to the natural size of the item. I can review poems a lot faster than what I can do for a story that is 900 words or 9000 words. Probably can write them faster too, which is why I have entered more poems so far this year than stories. Taking part in a poetry challenge, I have done 2 poems a week but I have been working on a single story all month that isn't done yet.
So, you want to start a poetry contest since it seems like there is an interest in such on the site. Great! Now for the tough part of answering all of the questions. Like what type? Is it a contest? Will there be prizes?
Consider the options for what type of poems that you might want to read. Maybe you go open ended and along anything. Problem with that is it can make it hard to judge when trying to compare very different forms, styles and all of the other details involved. That can be done but it might help to put up some parameters. What kinds of parameters do you want to put done? Basic ones might include in the rules a maximum and/or minimum line count along with new or used as features.
Other items to consider:
Prompts or Themes
Subject Matter
Form
For can be a little intimidating if it's not something you've dealt much with yet. I like to try different forms as a way to test my skills but some of them can be very challenging, which might cut down the number of entries that you get if people don't want to do that difficult of a task. There are resources to help if you want to consider a form based poetry contest. I like to check out "Poetry Forms" [13+] when I am looking for forms to try. There is also google research and a web site, if my memory is correct, called Shadow Poetry that has form information. You can also just go with the free verse option, that allows free reign for the technical formation of the poetry and instead focus on prompts to add directions.
Another option you can consider is to create something similar to a contest but have it be more of a challenge so that everyone involved gets a little something out of their efforts for not only creating an item but posting because it's very helpful when other people actually take part. You can even do a little of both, much like "PromptMaster !" [18+] as it has a contest elements with winners but also a challenge element so that it's fun just to enter each week with the unique prompts and fun way to showcase entries once the week is over. A challenge gives the chance for people to enter that might lack the competition aspect, which some people will appreciate.
If you like poetry and want to host something on the site. Creating a contest, a challenge, activity or anything of that nature focusing on the act of sculpting words through the art of the poet, then you have options here on the site. And there is a potential audience with writers interested in taking part. Just depends on what you create and how you want them to enter. I suggest a forum but there are other details that will factor into what you create, which includes your membership level and portfolio size. It may be necessary to group together with other writers on the site in order to create something together, which will be a topic for a future date: the group challenge. For now, consider that if you want to create a place for people to enter poems, what kinds of barriers or requirements will you have in place? Form or free verse? Contest or challenge?
What will you do?
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Next prompt in May:
| | PromptMaster ! (18+) A relaxed poetry competition inspired by Taskmaster! Reopening May 2026. |
Some books of poetry on the site to read:
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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
Do you prefer to enter contests with form requirements or open range for what poem you can write?
Comments sent for recent newsletters on genre and contests by me for this topic along with the wonderful people who sent them:
Comment by Wannabe  :
"Contests ~ How Do I Have One~" [E]
This is an oldie but a goodie, and might be helpful to some.
Comment by Annette  :
Genre matters a little bit. I can't imagine writing for Genealogy. However, now that makes me want to start a contest that goes down the list of genres and asks for the creation of something in each genre.
Comment by ~Lifelessons~  :
I have entered both. I love to test myself on genres.
I conquered dark poetry and prose. Along with erotica, which I never thought I could. I believe when writing we should push ourselves as to what we like. You just might be really good at presenting a good story in any genre. Test yourself. |
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Contests & Activities: February 25, 2026 Issue [#13616]
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