Are story-writing contests good for a budding writer....???

[Rajeev Singh]

I tried to compose a story in accordance with the demands of a story-writing contest and found myself at a loss for words. It was like being chained to the bed and then being asked to reach the door-knob. It clipped the wings of my imagination as I tried to think of characters and incidents to fit into the given scenario and ended up writing stuff that could not match up to even the most ordinary stuff that I have written and worst of all it left me feeling unsatisfied and dubious.

I have some other story-lines on which I intend to work but I wanted a platform on which I can make a beginning and hence the contest , but sadly things haven't worked out the way I wanted them to. The story is lying unfinished and I do not feel like completing it.

I would rather work on my own story-lines but am afraid that it may not find many takers, me being a rookie. It has been quite a disappointment for me.

[Rajeev Singh]

Thanks for replying sir......

[Sandra Davies]

No two writers are the same - prompts and frameworks more often that not work brilliantly for me, to the extent that I sometimes fear they may be too much of a crutch, but other times not at all, and stories come from within myself.  

You need to try different things, as a rookie, to find out what works for you and what doesn't.    Sometimes forcing yourself to take up an initially uninspiring challenge can result in good work.

[Rajeev Singh]

Thanks for replying ma'am....

[Kristine_ES]

if ever you need to kick start your creativity, then yes they're definitely good for a budding writer.

if you already have 6 novels in progress because your mind is brimming with stories and dialogue.. the contest is STILL good for a writer. 

sometimes competition can take you to a higher level of your creativity. just don't let it stress you out. 

[Rajeev Singh]

Thanks for replying....my mind is brimming with stories but whether they can be turned into full-length novels is quite dubitable...anyways, it could be a start....fingers crossed....

[Jadie Jones]

No harm in entering these contests if just for feedback. I have been querying a young adult manuscript for MONTHS and have been rejected nearly 50 times. Now, two publishing houses have requested the full manuscripts. If not for those rejections, i would not have kept tweeking, tightening, and improving. There were definitely times when i wanted to quit, etc. But I'm so glad I didn't. Even if these publishers say no, I will take their feedback, improve, and try again.

[Rajeev Singh]

Thanks for the reply.....very informative .....

[Jeanette Cheezum]

I was in a critique class for three years. It can be tough in the beginning, but you will learn a lot. Being on 6S is one of the best ways to get you out there.

[Jeanette Cheezum]

Don't be disappointed. The fact that you tried speakes volumes. We all had to begin somewhere. Walk away from it and if you don't want to return, then don't. Save it though some other time you might pick it up and complete it for something else.

[Rajeev Singh]

Thanks ma'am.....

[Bill Floyd]

I have a totally difficult time writing to spec.  I don't participate in many of the prompts around here because I simply have too many ideas of my own to wrestle with.  There are no rookie writers.  Follow your inspirations, keep working, and you will improve.  And if you're thinking of trying to do this professionally, disappointment is part of the game.  But most folks who've been published will tell you that the satisfaction that follows disappointment makes the road worthwhile.

[Rajeev Singh]

Very inspiring reply sir....