Write the World Monthly Writing Competitions — Course / Training

Write the World is a US-based non-profit that runs free online writing competitions for teenagers aged 13 to 19 anywhere in the world. A new competition opens on the first Monday of each month with a rotating genre — poetry, flash fiction, science fiction, journalism, screenwriting, op-ed, memoir and more — and writers have about three weeks to submit.

The August 2026 round is the Flash Fiction competition, a 100-word short-story challenge. Entries are judged by authors, editors and teaching professionals, and the platform pairs each contest with a structured feedback loop so writers can revise before the deadline.

Benefits & funding

Free to enter; a free account is all that is required, open to teens in any country.
Cash prizes each month (USD): winner $100, runner-up $50, best peer reviewer $50.
Select 2026 competitions also award Blackwing pencil-and-stationery sets.
The first 50 writers to submit a draft receive an in-depth review from an Expert Reviewer (published authors, writing teachers, educators).
Peer review from other teen writers on the platform.
Winners are promoted on Write the World’s blog and Instagram.

Eligibility

Open to writers aged 13-19.
Open worldwide, regardless of country of residence.
No entry fee; a free Write the World account is required.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.

Education required
High School
Age requirement
13–19 yrs

Check my eligibility — free

Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.

We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.

Application process

1
Create a free Write the World account as a young writer.
2
Open the featured or current competition and read its prompt and word limit.
3
Click to join the competition and draft your piece on the platform.
4
Optionally submit an early draft for expert or peer feedback, then revise.
5
Enter your final piece before the competition closes; you may keep editing until judging begins.

Program timeline

First Monday of each month
a new competition opens.
Around three weeks later
submission deadline.
Flash Fiction competition window.
August 3 - August 24, 2026