WRITE THE ROCKIES
SHORT STORY AND POETRY CONTESTS
Unleash Your Inner Writer: Write the Rockies 2027 (details coming soon)
Every writer knows the struggle of the blank page. When winter descends on Summit County, it is easy to retreat into isolation, wondering if your voice even matters.
The truth? You are not alone amongst these mountains. Your community wants to hear your stories and poems.
The annual Write the Rockies contest is your chance to step out of the shadows, share your unique voice, and get the recognition you deserve. Whether you write in English or Spanish, we invite middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults to submit their best work.

Middle School Winners

Adult Winners

Contest Details
 
Timeline & Deadlines

  • Submissions Open: Thursday, January 8, 2026

  • Submission Deadline: Sunday, March 8, 2026 at midnight (no exceptions)

 
Guidelines & Rules

  • Divisions: Middle School (6th–8th grade), High School, and Adult divisions

  • Languages: English and Spanish categories available for all divisions

  • Poetry: All poetic forms are accepted (Sonnet, Haiku, Free Verse, etc.)

  • Short Stories: Maximum length of 5,000 words or fewer

  • Submission Limit: Maximum of 1 short story and 3 poems per category, per author

  • Eligibility: All authors must be residents of Summit County, Colorado

  • Originality: All work must be original and is subject to AI and plagiarism screening

 
 
Reward Your Creativity
Don't let your notebooks gather dust. Enter today to claim your rewards, avoid the regret of an untold story, and celebrate your hard work:

  • Cash Prizes: $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place in each category

  • Radio Feature: First-place winners get the chance to read their work aloud on air for Krystal 93

  • Get Published: All entries of quality will be collected and published in an official anthology added to the Summit County Libraries collections

  • Community Glory: Earn a featured column in the Summit Daily and read at celebratory events

 
 
Three Steps to Become a Published Author

  1. Write: Put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to build critical career skills.

  2. Submit: Upload your short stories or poems online before March 8, 2026.

  3. Celebrate: See your name in the paper, win cash, and find your book on library shelves.

[Submit Your Entry Here]
Full details, rubrics, and submission forms are available at Summit County Libraries.
 
Brought to you in conjunction with our community partners:
The Summit County Libraries  • Education Foundation of the Summit
 
2025 - Write the Rockies!
Thanks to all who entered the 2025 Contest!

Order a Copy of the 2025 Writing Contest Anthology from the library catalog here.

 
The meeting on April 15th was extraordinary. The winners of all categories read parts of their winning entries, an AWESOME example of the creativity of diverse people of all ages and backgrounds.
 
The Rotary Club of Summit County awarded $5,800 to our winners!
Thank you, Summit County Libraries!

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