Young Writers’ Contest Now Accepting Applications

Honorary award winners from last year.

The seventh annual La Plume Young Writers’ Contest is now accepting applications from Miami Dade students in grades 3-12. Writers may submit their typed story on a theme of their choice relevant to their age and grade level. The Grand Prize winners will have their story published and receive $150 to $350, depending on the level. All winners including 1st, 2nd & 3rd places will be awarded cash prizes, special gifts and creative writing workshops.

Students will write their stories during the summer to be submitted by August 20 for review by a panel of judges that include published writers, editors, actors, journalists, librarians, educators/professors, and other artists. Winners will be announced on November 1. The award ceremony and book signing will be held on Saturday, December 1 presided over by a guest speaker from the literary world. It is free and open to the public.

La Plume contest was created by Miami Conservatory of Music, MCA Academy, and the Bookstore in the Grove in 2011 to encourage young writers to express themselves and to provide an opportunity for students to have their work evaluated professionally and published. It has grown and now all Miami-Dade students can participate.

“La Plume was so well received that we are now reaching out to all the Miami Dade students,” says Brigitte Kishlar, founder & president of Miami Conservatory of Music, and founder of MCA academy.  “Every year, students with different backgrounds and cultures submit very original and engaging compositions we are proud to publish. Plus we continue to nurture these young writers with Creative Writing Workshops we offer them along the year.”

Applications and rules are available online at laplumecontest.com or at Miami Conservatory of Music at 2911 Grand Avenue (end of the Mayfair Promenade). The deadline to register is May 31, 2018, midnight, and there is a $10 application fee.