Testing | Life in the Time of Virus

We are accepting submissions from anywhere in the world, but prizes will be awarded to those living in the five-county area: Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Kalkaska.

We ask that submissions be truthful, civil in tone, with no profanity or personal attacks.

You may make more than one entry but are eligible for only one prize. Please limit your submission to 1,000 words or less.

Judging of submissions will begin on June 30, 2020 and announced at our summer fundraiser on August 22nd.

Because the story is evolving day-by-day, week-by-week, we’ll keep this website open indefinitely. Submissions will be digitally preserved by the Traverse Area District Library.

The National Writers Series is a nonprofit, dedicated to holding great conversations with nationally renowned authors. Net proceeds of our events go to our Raising Writers programs that help build the reading and writing skills of area youth. For more information, go to www.nationalwritersseries.org

While you’re home, take a look at or listen to some of the National Writers Series past author events. They were so much fun!

Enter the Contest

Your Information

I understand and agree that any information I share will become part of the collections of the National Writers Series and the Traverse Area District Library collections and will be available to and shared with the public.

Category *

First Name *

Last Name *

Please Choose One I am at least eighteen years of age.I am under the age of 18. Consent must be signed by parent/guardian.

Parent or Guardian Name

Parent or Guardian Email

Your Phone *

City *

State *

Your Email *

About You * A brief description about yourself, i.e., "A nurse at Munson Medical Center"

Entry Instructions

Please find your contributor category and type in your story, limiting it to 1,000 words. Prizes will be awarded in each category.

Categories and Prizes

Adult: Gift Certificate for for shops in downtown Traverse City

1st Place – $350
2nd Place – $100
3rd Place – $50

High School: Grades 9-12, cash prize

1st Place – $350
2nd Place – $100
3rd Place – $50

Middle School: Grades 6-8

1st Place – $350
2nd Place – $100
3rd Place – $50

Elementary School: Grades K-5

1st Place – $100
2nd Place – $50
3rd Place – $25

The above awards are generously funded by NWS board members Laura Asiala (adults and elementary children) and Grant Parsons (high school students). Long-time NWS volunteer Meredith McComb funded the middle school awards. Thanks so very much to all of you!!