"Contests"

Writing is about turning great ideas into manuscripts. These can take the shape of a wonderful story, a narrative poem, or an essay. There are so many options for writers today to actually make the most of their talent.
A fantastic way to become creative and learn how to write under deadline is to enter contests. You ask me, why would I want to write competitively? I'll tell you why. Quite simply it's the art of being imaginative when writer's block strikes or when the idea you are formulating isn't coming together the way you'd like it to. By forcing yourself to write for a contest entry you are challenging yourself to write like you've never done before. Not only is there a chance that you'll actually win the competition, but that you'll have another quality piece to submit elsewhere.
I guess since I started writing when I was young, and I entered writing contests on a whim it may be easier or a little bit more comfortable for me to actually do this. Look at it like a job, it's something that you need to do to become successful. A writer must write, and make time when there is no time to write. You'll learn to make midnight dashes to the all night post office where you are anxiously racing against the clock to get the exact postmark. Trust me on this.
Last year when I made a mad rush to the post office for one contest, many more opportunities arose for me when I took it upon myself to do this last minute poetry entry.
That entry garned me a guaranteed spot as a featured poet with 37 poems displayed for all to see for over a month, plus, I had a poem published in the program book, and a week later in a popular area newspaper. I met other artists and writers from this competition, and have developed some new friendships and business relationships. You can't beat that!
Three days ago I found out that the contest where I was a featured poet has changed sponsors and moved up the initial jurying by two months which means I really have to rush with putting together a mini portfolio for this contest this upcoming month. It will certainly be a challenge for me to get this done ahead of time. It just adds to the work that I already have to do this month and into April!
This writer is plodding on.....