2025 Holiday Writing Contest

Entries must be submitted by midnight on November 23, 2025

Join us for this festive holiday writing contest!
Winning submissions will be included in our
annual Literary publication.

ELIGIBILITY Contest is open to all area students in Grades 4–12 AND adults. Students may participate whether public, private or home-schooled. Entries are limited to ONE (1) submission per person—per category listed below. Entries must be original, non-published work. Submissions must have a holiday theme and contain at least a reference to "Winter Wishes." Submissions may be accompanied by an original photo or graphic, in the format specified below. Entries must be received by midnight on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in order to be eligible for judging and publication. Winners will be notified via email. Prizes will be awarded at the Tipp City Community Band concert on December 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Tipp Center, located at 855 N 3rd Street, Tipp City, Ohio. Winners will also receive a complimentary copy of the TCAAC Literary publication. Additional copies will be available at Amazon.com.

RULES

Participants must fall into one of the following categories: Grades 4–6, Grades 7–8, Grades 9–12 or Adult.
Submissions must have a holiday theme and contain at least a reference to "Winter Wishes." Limit of one (1) entry per person, per category listed below. Original photography or artwork that relates to the written submission will be accepted and can be uploaded below. Please include a description and your name on submitted photos/artwork.
Entries must be submitted digitially—using this form.
All written entries must be submitted below and must be saved in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format.
Any accompanying photos or artwork must be submitted below and must be saved in 600dpi .jpg or .jpeg format.
Entries will be judged on originality, creativity and artistic quality. Proper spelling and grammar will also be considered. Any entry containing profanity, vulgarity or offensive material will be disqualified. Any entry that does not meet the contest requirements for length or file format will be disqualified.
All entries submitted must be original work by the author and may not have been previously published.
Judges' decisions are final. For any questions regarding this contest, please email Marilee Lake at tcaacwriterscamp@gmail.com. Please use TCAAC Holiday Story in the subject line.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Parent's Name

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

CityState

Zip Code

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Teacher's Name

First NameLast Name

School

Select the option that applies to you.*

Grades 4 through 6Grades 7 through 8Grades 9 through 12Adult

Submission Categories (You may submit one (1) entry per category.)*

Short Story (Fiction—No more than 2000 words)Personal Essay (Non-Fiction—No more than 2000 words)Poetry (No more than 500 words)

Upload original written submission(s).*

Browse Files

All written entries MUST be submitted as Microsoft Word documents saved as .doc or .docx.

Upload original accompanying photos or artwork.

Browse Files

All photography/artwork MUST be submitted as a 600dpi .jpg or .jpeg.

Signature*

Parent's Signature

A parent's signature is required if the entrant is a minor.

Please read the following.*

I agree to the following.

Contest is sponsored by the Tipp City Area Arts Council (TCAAC). There are no entry fees and no purchase is necessary. The TCAAC collects information for the sole purpose of notifying the winner(s). The TCAAC does not lease, lend, sell or share personal information. Minor children must have parental consent to enter and to have their submission included in the TCAAC Literary publication. By submitting an entry to the TCAAC, I confirm that I have read and accepted all guidelines and grant the TCAAC permission to use an image(s) of my work in marketing and/or promotional materials for the event.