Unlock Your Creativity: 3 Writing Contests to Enter in 2025
- Sam Booth
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
Have a story burning inside you? A poem you've been scribbling on napkins? A personal essay waiting to be told? 2025 is your year to share your words with the world. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting to explore your creative voice, entering a writing contest is one of the best ways to push your boundaries, get your work seen, and fuel your growth as a storyteller.
Writing contests do more than offer prizes. They give you deadlines to stay motivated, themes to spark inspiration, and exposure to new audiences and publishing opportunities. Even better—some of the best contests are totally free or low-cost and open to writers from all backgrounds.
Below, we’ve gathered three of the most exciting writing contests to enter in 2025, each offering a unique opportunity to express yourself, elevate your craft, and maybe even win big. So sharpen your pencils (or open your laptop)—your next chapter starts now. ✍️✨

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1. Wattpad’s 30-Day Writing Challenge – A Creative Adventure, One Day at a Time
📖 Join here: Wattpad 30-Day Challenge
Looking for a low-pressure, high-creativity writing challenge that’s completely free and packed with community support? Wattpad’s 30-Day Writing Challenge is designed to ignite your imagination with a new prompt every day, encouraging you to write regularly and build a sustainable creative habit.
Why It's Great for Writers in 2025:
🧠 Daily prompts keep your creativity flowing
🌍 Connect with fellow writers from around the world
📚 Improve your writing by exploring different genres and tones
🎉 No entry fee, no pressure—just you and your ideas
Whether you're journaling, building a story one day at a time, or just dipping into something new, this challenge is a supportive gateway to consistent writing. Participants often find themselves building a portfolio of original work and discovering new story ideas they never knew they had.
🌟 Perfect for: Beginners, writers facing creative blocks, or anyone looking for a flexible, fun challenge.
📝 Try it now—join Wattpad’s 30-Day Challenge and see where your pen takes you!
2. Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition – Prestige, Prizes, and Publication
🏆 Enter here: Writer’s Digest Competition
If you’re aiming for professional recognition, cash prizes, and publication opportunities, the Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition is a must-enter in 2025. As one of the most respected contests in the literary world, it draws entries from thousands of writers across multiple categories, including poetry, short fiction, memoir, genre writing, and scriptwriting.
Why It’s Worth Entering:
💰 Win up to $5,000 in prizes, plus publication in Writer’s Digest
📢 Get industry recognition and build your writing credentials
🖊️ Choose from multiple categories that fit your style and voice
🎫 Offers constructive feedback options to improve your work
The contest is open to writers of all experience levels, and winners often go on to land publishing deals or attract literary agents. It's a great way to benchmark your progress and gain visibility in the writing world.
🌟 Perfect for: Writers who are ready to level up, go pro, or showcase their best work to a larger audience.
📣 Take your writing seriously—submit to Writer’s Digest today!
3. My Writing Journey Competition – Share Your Story with Heart
💌 Enter here: My Writing Journey Contest
Hosted by The Writers College, this free international competition invites you to write a personal essay on the topic: “My Writing Journey.” Whether you’ve been writing for decades or just got started during lockdown, this is your chance to reflect on what writing means to you and how it’s shaped your life.
Why It’s a Beautiful Opportunity:
📝 Taps into authentic personal storytelling
🌍 Open to writers worldwide
💡 Great way to practice creative nonfiction and memoir writing
🏅 Winners receive cash prizes and publication on The Writers College website
This contest is less about polished perfection and more about heart, honesty, and voice. Sharing your story might just inspire others to begin theirs.
🌟 Perfect for: Writers who love reflective, personal narratives or want to build their writing confidence through authentic storytelling.
💖 Put your story into words—submit your entry to My Writing Journey!
Why Writing Contests Are Worth Your Time in 2025
Here’s what makes contests like these worth adding to your calendar:
✅ Deadlines boost discipline.
Even the most passionate writers benefit from a ticking clock.
✅ Writing for a prompt pushes creativity.
You’ll explore styles, genres, and formats you might not try on your own.
✅ You get noticed.
Many contests publish finalists and winners, getting your work in front of readers, editors, and agents.
✅ You grow as a writer.
Win or not, you’ll produce something new, get feedback, and learn from the process.
✅ You join a creative community.
Writing doesn’t have to be lonely. Contests create shared experiences and connections.
Tips for Success When Entering a Writing Contest
💡 Read the guidelines carefully. Don’t let a formatting slip or missed deadline disqualify you.
✍️ Edit ruthlessly. Give your work the polish it deserves. Share with a trusted reader before submitting.
🎯 Stick to your voice. Judges can spot authenticity. Be you, and let your story shine.
🧠 Learn from feedback. If offered, contest critiques can be gold for improving your craft.
🌈 Celebrate the process. Growth happens the moment you hit "submit." Every entry is a win.
Final Thoughts: Your Words Matter—Share Them
The beauty of writing is that it’s limitless and deeply personal. Whether you're crafting poems in a journal, blogging your thoughts, or building imaginary worlds, your voice matters. These three writing contests in 2025 offer more than prizes—they offer motivation, creative momentum, and an invitation to express your truest self.
💬 So which contest will you enter first? Whether it’s the structured prestige of Writer’s Digest, the personal reflection of My Writing Journey, or the creative consistency of Wattpad’s 30-Day Challenge, take the leap and share your words with the world.
🔥 Try it now! Visit The Changing Booth for more creative activities, challenges, and tools to unlock your full potential. 🚀
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