What People Are Saying


What others are saying about the Write Michigan Short Story Contest…

“The Write Michigan competition meant so much to Elijah and our whole family. He loves to write and winning the Judges’ Choice award was such an encouragement to him. The monetary award made it feel very official, and as a result, he opened his first bank account. He is a reserved and quiet student and tends to blend into the background at school – I know that the extra attention from his teachers and classmates felt consequential to him. Listening to a published author give a keynote speech targeted to him and the other writers was such a wonderful bonus for him! Thank you to all who coordinated this effort and to the judges who volunteered so much time. What a wonderful program. His two younger brothers are excited to enter the contest next year.”

– Becky, Mom of Elijah Kuiper, Judges’ Choice Winner, Spanish Language (12 and under)

“For the past two years, I’ve competed in the Write Michigan contest. This year, I also volunteered to review stories. I loved reading the work of young writers and being able to
offer (hopefully) helpful feedback. As a writer, I appreciated getting the feedback and having the opportunity to compete with writers from across the state. Write Michigan gave me a goal to work toward and helped motivate me to make my work the best it can be.”

-Kevina Clear, Teen Judges’ Choice Winner

“There’s something about a competition that spurs creativity and productivity, even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a competitive person. For me, the Write Michigan contest was the catalyst for diving much deeper into creative writing than I’ve previously gone. Writing literally opens up new worlds — worlds you can shape any way you like. It’s very liberating. There is not enough public encouragement for creativity, and that is why I’m so thankful for Write Michigan.”

-Will Miedema, Adult Readers’ Choice Winner