ShoreLake Arts invites students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 to submit original poems, short stories, and essays about LGBTQIA+ identity, expression, and allyship for the 2022 Write With Pride student writing contest.
A panel of judges will select works to appear in a digital publication and authors will have their work highlighted on ShoreLake Arts' website and social media. Additional prizes will be awarded to Winners Runners Up for both age groups.
The deadline to submit is July 31, 2022. Scroll down for more information.
Writing Prompt
The following prompt is meant to be open-ended. Use it as you see fit as a springboard to express your own thoughts and feelings.
As a member of or ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, what does it mean to truly be yourself?
Submission Guidelines
Please read this section carefully. Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be reviewed by the judges.
ELIGIBILITY:
This contest is open to all student in grades 6 through 12.
WORD LIMIT:
Submissions must be 1,500 words or less.
LANGUAGE:
Works must be in English. Inclusion of select words or phrases in other languages is accepted as long as the bulk of the work is in English.
ORIGINALITY:
Works must be entirely your original work.
UNPUBLISHED:
Only unpublished works will be accepted. If your submitted work already appears in a print or online publication, it is not eligible for this contest.
ONE WORK:
You may only submit one (1) work to this contest. Multiple submissions will be disqualified.
TYPED:
Submissions must be typed. Please do not submit hand-written works.
DEADLINE:
The submission deadline is 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Late submissions will not be considered.
COST:
Free
FAQ's:
Please check out the FAQ's below for more information.
Timeline
JUNE 1
Submission window opens
JULY 31
Deadline to submit
AUGUST 22-26
Winners and digital publication selections announced
Prizes
Judges will select works to appear in a digital publication and authors will have their work highlighted on ShoreLake Arts' website, Instagram, and Facebook page.
Additionally, prizes will be awarded to the Winners and Runners Up for both the grades 6-8 and 9-12 categories:
WINNER (Grades 9-12):
$75 gift certificate for Third Place Books
WINNER (Grades 6-8):
$75 gift certificate for Third Place Books
RUNNER UP (Grades 9-12):
$25 gift certificate for Third Place Books
RUNNER UP (Grades 9-12):
$25 gift certificate for Third Place Books
Thank you to Third Place Books for sponsoring prizes for Write With Pride!
Judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to submit?
No. It is free to submit.
Do authors have to identify as LGBTQIA+ to be eligible?
No. All students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 are eligible.
How many works may I submit?
You may only submit one (1) work.
Can I submit a work that has already been published somewhere else?
No. Only unpublished works will be considered.
If my work is selected for the digital publication, can I remain anonymous?
Yes. There are options in the application form to include a pseudonym/pen name or have your name listed as “Anonymous” in the digital publication.
How will I know if my work has been selected?
The Winners, Runners Up, and digital publication selections will be announced on ShoreLake Arts’ website and social media during the week of August 22-26, 2022. All applicants, whether their work was selected or not, will also receive an email during that week. To avoid the email going to your Spam or Junk folders, please add artsed@shorelakearts.org to your address book.
Still Have Questions?
Please contact:
Jonathan Booker
Education Director
ShoreLake Arts
(206) 417-4645
