Calling all teen authors and poets! Showcase your work with Farmington Community Library’s annual Teen Creative Writing Competition!

Teens in the Farmington/Farmington Hills area are eligible to win prizes in different writing categories and age divisions. This program is sponsored by the Farmington Friends of the Library. It is with great gratitude that we honor the memory of Ray Okonski, who envisioned and funded this showcase for over 20 years.

The 2023 Teen Creative Writing Competition closed on July 31 and winners were announced on September 9. Stay tuned for details on the 2024 Teen Creative Writing Competition!

2023 Winners

Past Winners

Age Divisions

All residents and/or students of Farmington/Farmington Hills who have just completed 6th – 12th grade in public, private or parochial schools are eligible. There are two age divisions, Ages 11-14 & Ages 15-19.

Categories

Fiction

A literary work whose content is produced by the imagination and a total invention. For both age groups, create a work of fiction of your choice. Fiction submissions should be 1-7 pages, typed.

Poetry

A piece of literature written in rhythm and/or rhyme. For both age groups, create a work of poetry of your choice. Fiction submissions should be 3-100 lines, typed.

Submission Requirements

  • 12 point font
  • Times New Roman, Courier, or Arial font
  • Double-spaced
  • No graphics or specialty fonts
  • Work must be original to the entrant
  • No previously published works accepted
  • 1 work per category accepted
  • Please do not include name on submission; only the title should be on work to preserve anonymity in judging
  • You must submit your work through email to tcwc@farmlib.org
  • You must include the following information in the body of the email: First and Last Name, Phone number, Email Address, Poetry or Fiction, Age group, School.

Judging

Judges will consider these qualifications when reviewing submissions:

  • Originality
  • Grammatical correctness and spelling
  • Organization
  • Word choice
  • Imagery

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded in each category for each age division:

  • First Place: $100
  • Second Place:  $75
  • Third Place:  $50

Winners are honored with a ceremony in September at the Farmington Hills location.

For more information contact:

Teen Librarians Jennie Willard and Rebecca Brown at tcwc@farmlib.org