It’s the beginning of a new year, and lots of us are looking for ways to start the year off strong. We’re setting goals–exercise goals and weight loss goals and money-saving goals. We writers are also setting goals–word count goals and deadline goals and submission goals. One way to kick off the year strong is by entering some of your writing in contests. Currently, the entry window is open for the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association (VOWA) annual contests. These contests invite high school students, college students, and professionals to submit for consideration their best writing and/or photography centering on the great outdoors. High school students could receive up to $300 for their writing and up to $150 for their photography, while college students could win up to $500 for their writing and photography.
An awards ceremony is scheduled for March 28, 2020, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Here, winners and their guests will be treated to a delicious luncheon, guest speakers, networking opportunities, and the awarding of their monetary prize(s) and plaques. An overview of each contest is provided below.
VOWA High School Contest
This contest is open to high school students across the commonwealth of Virginia, including homeschooled students.
Deadline
February 15, 2020
Theme
A Memorable Outdoor Experience
Prizes
Writing Prizes
First Place: $300.00
Second Place: $150.00
Third Place: $75.00
Photography Prizes
First Place: $150.00
Second Place: $100.00
Third Place: $50.00
More details available here.
VOWA Collegiate Contest
This competition is open to any student enrolled at a Virginia public or private college or university, including two-year colleges. Students who are Virginia residents enrolled at out-of-state institutions are also eligible to enter.
Deadline
February 15, 2020
Theme
A Memorable Outdoor Experience or Special Interest
Prizes
Writing Prizes
First Place: $500.00
Second Place: $200.00
Third Place: $100.00
Cooperative Living Magazine Award: $100.00 and publication in the magazine
Photography Prizes
First Place: $500.00
Second Place: $200.00
Third Place: $100.00
More details available here.
VOWA Excellence-in-Craft
This contest is open to all Virginia residents. Non-residents who wish to enter are welcome to do so, providing their material is specific to Virginia.
Virginia residents who are first-time entrants in the contest will receive a free, one-year membership to VOWA, as well as an invitation to attend the annual meeting and awards luncheon on March 28, 2020, at no charge.
Deadline
February 1, 2020
Writing Categories
Writing published during 2019 can be submitted to any of the following categories:
- Blog Post
- Feature Story
- Newsletter
- Newspaper or Magazine Column
- Book.
Visual Arts Categories
Visual artwork published or produced during 2019 can be submitted to any of the following categories:
- Published Photography
- Unpublished Photography
- Illustration
- Film or Video.
Special Awards Categories
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
Writing submitted to this category should focus on fly fishing. One winner will receive a guided fishing trip with Mossy Creek Fly Fishing.
Fly Fishers of Virginia Conservation Award
Writing submitted to this category should emphasize conservation. One winner will receive a $100 cash prize.
Appalachian Mountain Advocates Conservation Writing Award
This award is for best conservation writing. The winners earns a $100 cash prize.
More details available here.
VOWA is an organization very near and dear to my heart. We at VOWA combine two of my beloveds: writing and nature. Our main mission includes “to improve ourselves and our craft and increase our knowledge and understanding of the outdoors.” We also “pledge to support conservation of natural resources.” If you want to help spread awareness of our natural world and its beauty, as well as meet like-minded people and improve your craft, I hope you’ll consider entering this year’s contest–and spread the word! Happy writing, and good luck!