1. There are many contests out there, but few offer you the chance to grow as a writer instead of simply competing.
We at the Write Practice know two important facts:
- Writers write better when they're not trying to do it alone.
- Writers actually grow MORE when they're helping other writers grow.
[ One of our many articles on this: http://thewritepractice.com/every-writer/ ]
2. To grow as a writer, we need not only write, but also to be involved in the writing of other people - especially those who are not as advanced as we may yet be.
This is the same basic principle that leads to teachers understanding their craft better than even "experts" in that same craft. The act of analyzing what works and what doesn't and putting those things into words helps writers to see their own work more clearly.
[ While we teach, we learn. http://ideas.time.com/2011/11/30/the-protege-effect/ ]
3. To that end, our contests are designed to not only offer prizes, but that all-important chance to grow as a writer, AND to make contacts within the writing community. Every single one of our contests comes with what we call a workshopping aspect. Here's what we do:
- We give a theme. This encourages writers to write something new and also gives a base metric for them to learn how to follow instructions (crucial in publishing).
- We provide a place to workshop their stories, giving and receiving critique. Writers will be matched with three other pieces to critique. They must complete those critiques before they are permitted to see their own. Giving critique is actually more beneficial than receiving critique, though most writers don't understand this at first.
- At the end of a set period of time, we provide a link to send their stories to the judges. The judges are not involved in the workshopping aspect; to prevent any kind of preconceived notion or favoritism, they stay completely away from early drafts of stories.
- Those who asked for the contest upgrade get extra feedback; the judges will not only judge their story, but provide some critique on top of what the writer has already received in the community.
What we are doing is helping writers to build the all-essential community they need to succeed as a writer in the 21st century. It's a first for many people, and there is always a learning curve; however, we've seen enough writers enter brand-new through the contest system and continue in critiquing and writing until they're published to know that it works very well.
We've put a lot of study, psychology, and knowledge of author history into our program, and we can say with confidence that it works.
P. S. Don't forget that you have six weeks total in The Write Practice Pro. This Friday, feel free to submit a new story to the Workshop.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.