7 Essential Contests and Journals
It’s the time of year when thoughts turn toward spring’s new beginnings.
Seed catalogs arrive in the mail.
For some, brainstorming summer vacation plans centers on the deepest longings for a change of scenery.
There are outliers, such as myself, who love the quiet peace that descends each time it snows.
An equinox is the time when the sun is directly over the equator.
This occurs in March and September.
We all know that this time of year is closer to the March equinox, or spring equinox, than we are to the winter equinox.
The solstice recognizes the shortest and longest days of the calendar year.
As the days grow longer, the longing in our hearts grows stronger.
We can use contests and journal submissions to hone our craft while satisfying our desire for the written word.
I’ve included opportunities for your consideration.
Please read the submission guidelines at their respective links.
Contests & Journals:
New York Mills: Great American Think-Off
33rd Annual Great American Think Off Debate
Deadline: June 13, 2026
New York Mills, Minnesota
Essays due April 1, 2026
Finalists announced May 1, 2026
Debate question for essay: Has the pursuit of happiness made Americans unhappy?
Essays up to 750 words.
Prizes include four $500 cash awards
https://www.kulcher.org/think-off/
Cost to enter: FREE (donations accepted)
Talking Stick: The Jackpine Writers’ Bloc
Park Rapids, Minnesota
A Minnesota Literary Journal: https://thetalkingstick.com/
Writers will be invited to the Jackpine Writers’ Bloc Release Party in September
Prizes are $200 for first place and $100 for second place in each of the four categories. See website for rules.
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Cost to enter: FREE
Lake Superior Writers Blog: Submit craft blog https://lakesuperiorwriters.org/blog/blog-submission-guidelines/
Split Rock Review: Literary magazine //www.splitrockreview.org/
The Nemadji Review: Literary magazine https://thenemadjireview.com/submissions/
Great American Fiction Contest
Cost to enter: $10
Prizes: 1st place awards $1,000 and publication in The Saturday Evening Post
https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/fiction-contest/
Wingless Dreamer
Literary Journal
Contests
Design Services
Editorial Services
Creative Hub
Submittable or [email protected]
Writing Contest: I Don’t Feel Anything
