NYT Writing Competitions
The New York Times runs a variety of student contests ranging from essay, to narrative to photography to art. Contest rules and guidelines vary, and the contest calendar is updated frequently. Have a look and you’ll see that there’s a good chance that there’s overlap with something that you are doing or have done at school. Submit something you’ve already produced, or write something new that is responsive to a prompt. It’s a fantastic way to get recognized for your great work!
How do I get started? Look at Contest Calendar on the website of The New York Times.
This is a competition so follow the format of other competitions.
How do I expand narrative arc? Are you interested in journalism and keen to go beyond your school newspaper?
Consider starting a school radio or TV station
Do a summer course through The New York Times.
Become a Youth Reporter for YR Media
Alternatively, are you more interested in creative writing? Consider one of these:
Submit your work to more online publications, like The Maze, Elan Literary Magazine, Hanging Loose Press,and more.
See our post about putting on a Poetry Slam in your town.
Start an online poetry (or literary) journal at your school.
Spend the summer at one of the nation’s premier writing programs at the Iowa Young Writer’s Studio
HOT TIP: If you are a great writer there are so many ways to expand and deepen your narrative arc. Think about what everyone else is doing, and then do the opposite. Your high school paper or literary club are a great start, but make sure you expand beyond opportunities that are available to everyone at your high school. The beauty of the internet is that much of the work - including researching, writing and submitting - can be done online. You have no excuse but to move forward!