You're invited to enter the 2019 WRITE YOUR STORY CONTEST!

You're invited to enter the 2019 WRITE YOUR STORY CONTEST! Flash Fiction and Non-Fiction entries will be accepted beginning 01/01/2019 through 04/02/2019. There is no limit to the number of entries you may submit. The entry fee is just $25 per entry with a maximum word count of 2500 per entry. 

Flash Fiction entries must fall into one of the following categories:

*ROMANCE: The story shows two people who struggle to make their relationship work. Must have an emotionally satisfying ending.
*COZY MYSTERY: A mystery or suspense story where violence and sexuality are downplayed (never the central focus). Think "true detective fiction." In murder mysteries, the murder must happen "off the page," and heavy or disturbing content is not included. 
*DRAMA: The story portrays realistic emotional struggles.
*ACTION ADVENTURE: Action is the key element in the story.

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Non-Fiction entries must fall into one of the following categories:

NARRATIVE NON-FICTION
PERSONAL ESSAY
SELF-HELP

*Required: Your submission should inspire one or more of the following: Hope, Compassion, Kindness, Love

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Additional requirements for Non-Fiction entries:

• Your story must be true. No fiction, no creative writing. 
• Non-fiction stories are written in the first person and have a beginning, middle and an end. 
• Stories should end with something that creates an emotion or a thought provoking question.
• Always remember, in writing, it is better to SHOW, not tell.
• A good story evokes emotion (laughter, tears...).
• A good story evokes feelings (hope, gratitude, rekindling a passion for life...).
• A good story is one that touches the readers and helps them feel happy and hopeful about their own lives.
• Your story should focus on a true story that shows ordinary people having extraordinary experiences.
• Non-fiction entries/stories should be filled with emotion and forward motion.
• Stories that brighten the readers day and leave the reader feeling good about life are strongly encouraged.
• Good stories utilize the five senses -- helping the reader feel more involved in the story.
• The most powerful stories are those that inspire hope, compassion, kindness, love, and/or connection.
  

Winners will be announced on or before 05/02/2019. Awards are given to first, second and third place in both Flash Fiction and Non-Fiction. First place in both Flash Fiction and Non-Fiction will win:

• 2 Walt Disney World Fast Passes including general admission to the park (valid at Walt Disney World Resort in Central FL. Valid now through July 2020)
  
• Flash fiction story published on Stacey's Book Blog
  
• Be given an exclusive writer interview to be published separately on SBB.
  
• A digital winner's badge

FIND FULL CONTEST RULES HERE

There are numerous reasons to enter writing contests. Below we share a few!

• Prizes. Win a great prize for your writing efforts! 
• Confidence. Boost your confidence by entering and potentially winning!
• Prestige. Winning a writing contest is something that can be mentioned in your query letter or bio. It may help with being noticed by literary agents. 
• Publication. Publication on a website is generally a fringe benefit of winning or being a finalist in a writing contest.
• Deadlines in your favor. Working to contest deadlines will help you complete a story - which allows you to move on to your next project!
• Not much to lose! Yes, there is a minimal entry fee associated with writing contests, but once you've completed your piece, you can always submit it elsewhere or build from it (to a full length novel, perhaps!) if you don't win. 
• Space, Time & Perspective. If your piece doesn't end up winning, once you've submitted your work, you'll have time away from your piece. When you return to it at a later date, you may find areas for improvement prior to sending it out once again. 
• Fun! Writing contests are a great way to exercise your writing abilities. Whether you're a published novelist or a beginning writer, contests help to get your creative juices flowing and can get you out of a writing rut. 
  

Are you ready to enter the 2019 Write Your Story Contest? It's time to start working on your entries. Happy writing!

Stacey Ritz is a bestselling author and award winning writer. An empathetic and compassionate storyteller, Ritz wrote for a plethora of local and national news outlets, magazines, blogs, and websites (copywriter), prior to becoming a novelist. Her book, Covered in Pet Fur  has gained attention from RIVA Media and Animal Planet. She is the Executive Director and co-founder of Advocates 4 Animals, Inc. – a 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization that has saved more than 11,000 lives (and counting). You can interact with Stacey online via Stacey's Book Blog and on Pinterest.

Ritz writes the following genres:
Non-Fiction:
Motivation/Inspiration
Writing/Publishing
Animal Welfare
Fiction:
Mainstream Fiction / Contemporary Drama

Click here to view Stacey's fiction books.

Click here to view Stacey's non-fiction books