Children's Creative Writing Contests

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Laura, and today I'm going to talk with you about children's creative writing contests. If you see that your child is a budding writer you're going to want to encourage their talent as much as you can, because children are going to start to do what they want to do very early on, especially things that they have a talent for. So, you're going to want to nurture that by, of course, allowing them to enter in a creative writing contest, but also to try to work up their work to a publishing level. The playwright, Tennessee Williams, actually got his start after submitting one of his plays to a creative writing contest and and winning so that's just a little tidbit of information. To get your child started in these contests make sure it's the child's decision. Something personal like writing has to come from within, not without. Know that you're not going to be able to push them into into writing if they don't want to go there. It's just like enrolling them in a singing contest and they don't really like to sing. So, really make sure that you're attuned to what they want to do. Make sure you meet the deadline and requirements for the contest. Does the child have to be nominated by the school in order to enter the contest in some cases? Is there a length requirement for the work? Is there a registration or entrance fee? All of these are things that you need to think about when you're entering in these contests. Once you've worked out the technicalities make sure your child knows the importance of proofreading and revising the work, and offer your help when needed but don't push yourself on your little brooding writer. But, do make sure that your your son or daughter is putting out the thing that they need to put out which is their best work. So, good luck with entering your children's creative writing contest."