Submit something about Pakistan
to a writing contest

Writing contests are an excellent way to hone your literary skills while getting recognition, possibly some money and a message across.

You can submit an article, poem, essay or short story about a Pakistan-based theme to such a contest to not only produce great literature, but also educate others about some aspect of the country.

For example, Scholastic Inc, the global children's publishing and media company, holds an annual writing contest entitled the "Dear America Reading Contest" for students. Last year's winner wrote a story entitled "Pikadon-don: The WWII Dary of Rieko Murasako Nagasaki, Japan 1945". The story was written in the form of a diary entry by a young girl who was alive at the time of the bombing of Nagasaki, Japan by America.

If we were to "Pakistanize" this story, you could enter a writing contest with a similar theme: the diary of a young girl who lived on August 14, 1947, Pakistan's independence day.

Remember that in contests, even if your entry doesn't win, judges will be reading your work. Also, it's possible that finalists or runners up can get their work published in a newspaper, magazine or anthology. If this is the case, even if you don't win a prize, you will have succeeded in educating others about some aspect of Pakistani heritage through your entry.

There are writing contests for virtually all levels and categories: elementary and high school students; college students; first time writers; experienced and inexperienced poets. You will also find contests focused on a specific topic (one of them asked entrants to write about Christmas past and present). And then of course there are contest by genre: poetry, drama, fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, science fiction, essay and more.

Choose the genre that you want to write in. Then look for a contest that applies to you. If you're a student, look for contests aimed at high school or college students. If you're not, check your local newspapers and magazines since these publications often sponsor writing contests. And of course, don't forget the internet, the largest source of information on the planet.

Also, pick the genre that most appeals to you. Some people may not enjoy writing stories or non-fiction but they are very creative poets. There are plenty of poetry contests out there, so this option is open as well. If you don't enjoy putting the entry together, it's not likely it will be worth your time or effort. It's also less likely to win in the contest, so pick a contest for the genre you are strongest or most interested in.

Check that the contest you're entering is legitmate. Usually, the more well-known the sponsoring organization, the less likelihood of fraud. Also, there should be a telephone number given for contact information. Call it to check that this contest is really legitimate and not a hoax to collect money, since most writing contests ask entrants to submit an entry fee along with their work.

If the contest is legitimate, don't just start writing immediately. Make sure that you're aware of the requirements, especially the topic or theme to write about, the word count and the deadline. Once you've got this information, you can begin penning your masterpiece.

After you're done, make sure to proofread your work and get second and third opinions. If you're writing about a historical aspect of Pakistan, have a person who lived in that time period read your work to check it out for inconsistencies. For example, you may have your story set in the 1950s but the main character is driving a vehicle that wasn't available in Pakistan until the 1970s.

Once you're work is proofread, check that it meets any other contest requirements, like what type of computer program it should be saved in. Include the check for the entry fee if applicable and send it off. Make sure to save a copy of your work since contest officials, in most cases, will not send it back to you.

If you do win for your piece, don't just graciously thank the judges and go on your merry way. Inform your Pakistani-American friends to help you celebrate. See if you can get an article done in your local paper about your achievement. This is not to show off. It's to highlight one aspect of Pakistan as you have done in your masterpiece. And if you do win a cash prize, donate it to a worthy cause in Pakistan.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/17/2002 3:49:02 PM

Readers' Comment

Sabiyal Saghir: 2/18/2006 11:39:46 PM
Hello Pakistani brothers.I am also a Pakistani from Faisalabad.Plase send me a contest on my email.

sultan sikander: 2/23/2006 5:26:24 AM
Hello! Respected Sir/Madam I am glad to see your website. I writes some Urdu Poems and Ghazals and i want to mail you these Ghazals etc. Please give me the suggestion who i send that to you. I am waiting for your answer thanks yours truly sultan sikander

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