85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
They aim to diversify literature by amplifying unique voices and perspectives, especially those from marginalized writers. Every writer’s story is valuable and they are committed to providing a platform for these diverse voices to be heard.
Tadpole Press rejects the notion that writing must follow a specific formula or fit a predetermined mold. Instead, they celebrate the individuality of each writer’s creative process. Participants are invited to create freely, to share their story in their own voice, and to contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape.
1. Who is eligible to submit to the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest?
The contest is open to all writers, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. Tadpole Press welcomes diverse voices and encourages participation from writers of all backgrounds.
2. When is the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest?
The contest is hosted twice yearly, with submission deadlines every April 30 and November 30.
3. What Are the Submission Guidelines?
Entry Fee: $15 USD per entry (can submit more than one).
Word Limit: 100 words or less, including the title (if applicable).
Pen Names: You can use a pen name, and winning entries will be published under that name.
Previously Published Pieces: Both new and previously published works are accepted.
Genre: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, or a combination—write in any genre or style you prefer.
Important Note: Winning submissions will be nonviolent.
Unlock Your Writing Potential: Students in Our Writing Competition Preparation Class Are More Likely to Secure Awards
4. Judging Process
Entries will be judged on:
- A story that is creative, unique, and captures a new angle.
- A story that expands our beliefs about what’s possible.
- A story that includes a clever twist or unexpectedly delights us with a surprise.
- A story that is nonviolent and focuses on growth rather than suffering.
- Writing that uses clever, unique, or unexpected language.
- Writing that inspires the judges.
- Writing that crafts a complete and compelling story.
- Writing that reflects the world we want to see.
View examples of previous winning stories from the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest to understand what our judges are looking for.
5. Why Enter the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest?
- Prizes: Winners receive cash prizes, with the 1st-place prize set at $2,000 USD!
- Exposure: Winning entries are published on the Tadpole Press website and Tadpole Press Literature Magazine.
- Challenge: Writing a 100-word story hones your ability to write concisely and creatively.
- Community: Join a global community of writers who share a love for storytelling.
6. Tips For a Winning Submission When You Only Have 100 Words
Show, don’t tell
When writers show rather than tell in their writing, they invite readers into the story in a more vivid, visceral way that allows them to experience what’s happening rather than reading a summary from the outside. This approach brings the story alive and deepens the impact.
For example:
Telling: “He was nervous about the test.”
Showing: “Sweat beaded on his brow as he tapped his pencil against the desk, the clock ticking louder with every second.”
Write with your five senses
Focusing on sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell is a quick, direct way to pull the reader into the story. Words that highlight our senses not only have a powerful effect on the reader’s experience but also create a strong connection to the writing.
For example:
Sight: “The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and rose.”
Sound: “The crackle of leaves underfoot whispered secrets of the forest.”
Taste: “The tang of lemon lingered on her tongue, sharp and refreshing.”
Touch: “His fingers brushed against the coarse fabric of the old armchair.”
Smell: “The air carried the faint scent of rain and freshly cut grass.”
Make every word count
With only 100 words, each one should serve a purpose. Trim unnecessary adjectives or repetition, and aim for concise yet impactful language.
End strong
Make your last line memorable—whether it’s a twist, revelation, or poignant moment.
Ready to Submit?
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, visit the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest website for more information and to submit your story. Remember, every word counts—make them shine.
Happy writing!
Aralia Courses for Aspiring Writers
For students and families aiming to excel, Aralia offers the following courses taught by top-rated instructors:
This course aims to help students develop strong writing skills by learning to write and revise three essays that are persuasive, argumentative and narrative. Students will learn to write, cite and avoid common mistakes in academic writing. Before starting the writing process, students will also learn how to annotate and take notes to help them write a paper.
In this course, we will work to hone our skills as close readers and critical writers. Through in-depth discussion and analysis of short stories and poetry, we will learn how to advance complex arguments that reflect an awareness of important themes and ambiguities in a literary work.
