The 2023 Writing Contest has ended:
Thank you everyone for your wonderful short stories and poems! We had a record number of submissions this year, 247!
The Teen Advisory Board has chosen the winners. If you would like to read the winning selections, they are posted below.
Everyone did a fantastic job, and all entries are included in a book that is in the Round Rock Public Library’s Local Author collection. The book is available for checkout with your library card. Please contact the youth reference desk with any questions, 512-218-7002.
Writing Contest:
Every year, the Round Rock Public Library accepts entries to the Young Author Writing Contest.
Young authors may submit an original fiction short story or poem. Submitted entries will be judged by the Teen Advisory Board.
First, second, and third-place winners will receive a Barnes and Noble gift card. All submissions will be published in a book that will become part of the Round Rock Public Library’s local author collection for children.
Writing Contest Prizes:
- The writers of the top three stories or poems will receive: 2024 Prize TBA.
- First, second, and third-place winner will be chosen from two age categories: Tween (ages 8-12) and Teen (ages 13-18)
- All short story/poetry entries will be turned into a book that will become part of the Round Rock Public Library’s local author collection for children.
Contest Guidelines:
- Writers may enter one original short story or poem.
- There are two age categories: ages 8-12 and 13-18.
- Participants with a current Round Rock Public Library card are eligible. Participants who do not have a Round Rock Public Library card must reside in Travis or Williamson counties.
- The short story or poem can only be a maximum of 2000 words. There is no required minimum word count or story length. Please do not send pictures or graphics with your story or poem. We are not able to include them in the book.
- Previously published works will not be accepted.
- Entries must be received before 9:00 pm on the last day of the contest.
- Short stories/poems must be submitted through the contest’s online form. The form will be available on this webpage starting (2024 date TBA). Mailed, emailed, and/or handwritten entries will not be accepted.
- Submissions must include the writer’s name, parent or guardian’s name, age, e-mail address, phone number, and the story or poem title.
- Entries submitted that do not meet the contest guidelines will be disqualified.
Past Contest Winners:
Tween Winners (Ages 8-12)
- 1st place: Nora Chun, Age 10,“Hazel & Wal’s Space Adventure”
- 2nd place: Raj Shah, Age 11,“The Elemental Saga”
- 3rd place: Pavitra Sanker, Age 9,“The Legend of the Ice Dragon”
Teen Winners (Ages 13-18)
- 1st place: Catherine Pittner, Age 17,“Francis’ Mystery”
- 2nd place: Yonnie Yang, Age 14,“The Willing Reaper”
- 3rd place: Cynthia Liu, Age 15,“She”
2022 Theme (chosen by the Tween Advisory Club): Time Travel
Tween Winners (ages 8-12)
- 1st place: “Time Adventures Across the Realms” written by Ruozhen M. (Age 11)
- 2nd place: “The Traveler 209” written by Eliza L. (Age 12)
- 3rd place: “America Undiscovered” written by Vihaan J. (Age 10)
Teen Winners (age 13-18)
Write On! Tween Short Story Contest
- “Life of a Lone Bear” written by Isaac W. (age 10) – 1st Place
- “Earthquake in Ecuador” written by Laurence K. (age 11) – 2nd Place
- “A Spark Turned Into a Dream” written by Marek B. (age 12) – 3rd Place
Rockin’ Teen Poetry Contest
Write On! Tween Short Story Contest
- “Hard Work Pays Off” written by Abbey W. (age 8) – 1st Place
- “Car Story” written by Marcus S. (age 12) – 2nd Place
- “The Runaway Bracelet – A Unicorn Short Story” written by Kayla H. (age 13) – 3rd Place
Rockin’ Teen Poetry Contest
- “Who Are You” written by Ca’Myah Robinson (age 14) – 1st Place
- “Child of the Ashes” written by Penelope Duran (age 17) – 2nd Place
- “Ducks Are Stupid” written by Graham Cutler (age 14) – 3rd Place