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12 concursos de escritura gratuitos para participar este invierno (2024-2025)

Michael Archambault
noviembre 05, 2024 | 4 lectura mínima

Ya sea que escribas prosa o poesía, los concursos de escritura gratuitos pueden ser una excelente manera de compartir tu trabajo creativo mientras ganas reconocimiento y, potencialmente, algo de dinero.

Así que toma una taza de chocolate caliente y enciende un fuego acogedor; aquí hay 12 concursos de escritura gratuitos en los que puedes participar este invierno.

Concursos de cuentos cortos

Desafío del escritor fabuloso

Participa en el reto de escritura de Fabuly y crea una historia corta de 2000 palabras centrada en el tema de este año: un encuentro inesperado. El ganador del concurso de Fabuly ganará $500 y aparecerá en la aplicación móvil como un audiolibro ilustrado y producido profesionalmente.

Fecha límite: 14 de diciembre de 2024

Premio: $500 y producción de audiolibro

La historia del año de Storyshares

Es el séptimo Concurso Anual de Historia del Año, organizado por Storyshares, con premios en efectivo de hasta $15,000. Además del premio monetario, las obras de los ganadores y finalistas se incluirán en la biblioteca de Storyshares, que actualmente atiende a decenas de miles de estudiantes en todo el mundo.

Fecha límite: 13 de enero de 2025

Premio: Hasta $15,000 y publicación.

Concurso de relatos cortos de Story Unlikely

El equipo de Story Unlikely gestiona una revista digital mensual que comparte una amplia gama de relatos cortos sin restricciones de género, ofreciendo opciones para casi todos los lectores. El equipo también organiza su concurso anual de relatos cortos, que ofrece hasta $1,500 al ganador del primer lugar y la oportunidad de aparecer en la revista impresa anual de la publicación.

Fecha límite: 21 de enero de 2025

Premio: Hasta $1,500 y publicación.

Premio conmemorativo Mike Resnick de Arc Manor Books

El Premio Conmemorativo Mike Resnick, organizado por Arc Manor Books, se otorga a un nuevo autor de ciencia ficción para reflexionar sobre el escritor estadounidense del mismo nombre, quien fue nominado a 37 Premios Hugo a lo largo de su vida. Autores que aún no hayan publicado sus obras pueden presentar obras cortas de ciencia ficción de hasta 7499 palabras.

Fecha límite: por determinar (2025)

Premio: $250 y un trofeo

Premio de cuento Jim Baen Memorial de Baen Books

El equipo de Baen Books presenta el Premio Jim Baen Memorial de Cuento Corto, que reconoce una obra de ciencia ficción de menos de 8000 palabras. La editorial busca historias que muestren la exploración espacial tripulada en un futuro próximo (dentro de 50 o 60 años). Baen señala que su objetivo es destacar la ciencia ficción realista y optimista que muestre nuestro futuro potencial, por lo que no se aceptan relatos distópicos.

Fecha límite: 1 de febrero de 2025

Premio: Publicación con paga y trofeo

Concursos Generales de Prosa

Primer concurso de novela negra de Minotaur Books/Mystery Writers of America

Minotaur Books, un sello de Macmillan Books, y Mystery Writers of America se unen para ofrecer un concurso que destaca la primera novela policiaca de un escritor debutante. Puedes enviar manuscritos previamente publicados (no se permiten autopublicaciones) para su consideración.

Fecha límite: 15 de diciembre de 2024

Premio: $10,000 de anticipo de regalías futuras

Historias de inspiración de Kinsman Avenue

Kinsman Avenue Publishing organiza su concurso Historias de Inspiración, una oportunidad para escritores de no ficción. Se invita a escritores con historias que resalten la lucha y la resiliencia del espíritu humano en relación con las culturas de las comunidades marginadas. Se da preferencia a personas de comunidades BIPOC o subrepresentadas.

Fecha límite: 21 de diciembre de 2024

Premio: Publicación pagada

Concurso de Escritores del Futuro de L. Ronald Hubbard

Lafayette Ronald Hubbard escribió ciencia ficción y fantasía al principio y al final de su vida. El Concurso Escritores del Futuro se lanzó en 1983 para destacar a los autores aspirantes en el campo de la ficción especulativa. Hoy en día, el concurso se celebra anualmente y ofrece al ganador del gran premio un premio en efectivo de $5,000 y un trofeo.

Fecha límite: 31 de diciembre de 2024

Premio: hasta $5,000 y un trofeo

Premio de Literatura de los Amigos de los Escritores Estadounidenses

El Premio de Literatura de los Amigos de los Escritores Estadounidenses se centra en autores emergentes cuyos libros se centran en el Medio Oeste de Estados Unidos. Si tiene un libro ya publicado, puede presentarlo para su consideración, siempre que resida en el Medio Oeste o que su libro se desarrolle en esa región.

Fecha límite: diciembre de 2024

Premio: Reconocimiento

Concursos de poesía

Premio Cuatro Cuartetos de la Sociedad de Poesía de América

La Sociedad de Poesía de América, fundada en 1910, continúa su misión de acercar la poesía a la vida cotidiana estadounidense con su Premio Cuatro Cuartetos. Si eres un poeta con una secuencia completa de poemas publicados en Estados Unidos en 2024, estás invitado a participar. Los finalistas recibirán $1,000 cada uno, y el ganador recibirá $20,000 adicionales.

Fecha límite: 31 de diciembre de 2024

Premio: hasta $21,000

Concurso de poemas extensos de Defenestrationism.net

A juzgar por su nombre, no podemos imaginar una organización mejor que Defenstrationsim.net para organizar el Concurso de Poemas Extensos. Se invita a los poetas a presentar un poema de considerable extensión, de al menos 120 versos. Los organizadores del concurso publicarán los tres finalistas en el sitio web, y se ofrecerán varios días de votación pública antes de anunciar al ganador.

Fecha límite: 1 de enero de 2025

Premio: $300

Premio de lectura Levis de la Universidad Commonwealth de Virginia

El Premio de Lectura Levis se ofrece anualmente en memoria del poeta y profesor de la Universidad Commonwealth de Virginia. Reconoce el mejor primer o segundo libro de poesía publicado por un poeta. Los ganadores reciben un honorario y son invitados, con gastos pagados, a Richmond, Virginia, para una lectura pública el otoño siguiente.

Fecha límite: 15 de enero de 2025

Premio: Honorarios y una invitación a Richmond

Nota: Antes de participar en cualquier concurso de escritura, revise atentamente las bases y requisitos de participación. Estas cambian con frecuencia, así que asegúrese de confirmar que no se hayan cobrado cuotas de participación desde la redacción de este artículo.

noviembre 29, 2025 4 lectura mínima

The Great Freewrite Séance: A Ghost'ly Charity Auction Full Terms & Conditions

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern participation in The Great Freewrite Séance: A Ghost'ly Charity Auction (“Auction”), organized by Freewrite (“Organizer,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By registering for, bidding in, or otherwise participating in the Auction, you (“Participant,” “Bidder,” or “Winner”) agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Auction Overview

1.1. The Auction offers for sale a limited number of Freewrite Traveler Ghost Edition units (“Items” or “Ghost Traveler units”), each personally signed and drawn on by a featured author.

1.2. All proceeds, net of explicitly disclosed administrative costs, will be donated to the charity or charitable initiative (“Charity”) identified on each auction item’s page, as chosen by the respective author.

2. Eligibility

2.1. Participants must be at least 18 years old or the age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher.

2.2. Employees of Freewrite, the participating authors, or any affiliates directly involved in the Auction are not eligible to bid.

2.3. By participating, you represent that you are legally permitted to take part in online auctions and to pay for any bids you win.

3. Auction Registration

3.1. Participants must create an account on the auction platform or otherwise register using accurate, current, and complete information.

3.2. Freewrite reserves the right to verify identity and to disqualify any Participant who provides false or misleading information.

4. Bidding Rules

4.1. All bids are binding, final, and non-retractable.

4.2. Bidders are responsible for monitoring their bids; Freewrite is not liable for missed notifications or technical issues on the auction platform or the Participant’s device.

4.3. Freewrite reserves the right to:

  • set minimum bids or bid increments;
  • reject bids deemed in bad faith or intended to disrupt the Auction;
  • extend, pause, or cancel the Auction in case of technical difficulties, fraud, or events beyond reasonable control.

5. Winning Bids and Payment

5.1. The highest valid bid at the close of the Auction is the Winning Bid, and the corresponding Participant becomes the Winner.

5.2. Winners will receive payment instructions and must complete payment within 48 hours of the auction’s close unless otherwise stated.

5.3. Failure to complete payment on time may result in forfeiture, and Freewrite may offer the Item to the next highest bidder.

5.4. Accepted payment methods will be listed on the Auction platform. All payments must be made in the currency specified.

6. Item Description and Condition

6.1. Each Ghost Traveler unit is authentic, and the signatures, doodles, and messages are original works created by the participating author. These are authors, not artists. By bidding on the Item, you acknowledge that you are receiving a one-of-a-kind unit marked with unique art and messages and you agree to these terms and conditions.

6.2. Because Items are customized and signed by hand, variations, imperfections, or unique marks are to be expected. These are considered part of the Item’s character and not defects.

6.3. Items are provided “as-is” and “as-available.” Freewrite makes no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

7. Shipping & Delivery

7.1. Shipping costs, import duties, and taxes may apply unless explicitly stated otherwise.

7.2. Freewrite will make reasonable efforts to ship Items within the estimated timeline but cannot guarantee delivery dates.

7.3. Title and risk of loss transfer to the Winner upon delivery to the carrier.

7.4. Freewrite is not responsible for delays, damage, or loss caused by the courier or customs agencies.

8. Charity Donation

8.1. Net proceeds from the Auction will be donated to the Charity designated on each Item page.

8.2. Donation amounts and recipients may be disclosed publicly unless prohibited by law.

8.3. Winners acknowledge that they are purchasing Items, not making a tax-deductible donation to Freewrite; therefore, Winners will not receive charitable tax receipts unless Freewrite explicitly states otherwise in compliance with applicable laws.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1. All trademarks, brand names, product names, and creative materials associated with Freewrite and the Ghost Traveler remain the exclusive property of Freewrite or their respective rights holders.

9.2. Participants may not reproduce, distribute, or publicly display the authors’ doodles without permission where such rights are applicable, except as allowed by law (e.g., resale of the physical Item).

10. Privacy

10.1. By participating, you consent to Freewrite’s collection, use, and storage of your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

10.2. Freewrite may publicly announce auction results, including Winner’s first name, last initial, city, state/country, and winning bid amount unless prohibited by law or unless you formally request anonymity when possible.

11. Prohibited Conduct

Participants may not:

  • engage in bid manipulation, fraud, or collusive bidding;
  • use automated systems (bots, scripts, scrapers) to place or monitor bids;
  • interfere with the Auction, platform, or other participants

Freewrite may ban or disqualify any Participant violating these rules.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

12.1. Freewrite is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from the Auction or purchase of Items.

12.2. Freewrite’s total liability in connection with these Terms shall not exceed the amount of the Winning Bid actually paid by the Participant.

12.3. Freewrite is not responsible for technical malfunctions, internet outages, system failures, or other issues beyond its control.

13. Cancellation and Force Majeure

Freewrite may cancel, postpone, or modify the Auction due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to natural disasters, system failures, strikes, or events affecting participating authors or the Charity.

14. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

14.1. These Terms are governed by the laws of Michigan, without regard to conflict-of-law rules.

14.2. Any disputes arising under these Terms will be resolved through binding arbitration or the courts of the specified jurisdiction, as applicable.

14.3. Participants waive any right to participate in class-action lawsuits relating to the Auction.

15. Amendments

Freewrite may update these Terms at any time. Continued participation in the Auction after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

16. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding the Auction or these Terms, contact: hello@getfreewrite.com.

noviembre 25, 2025 1 lectura mínima

This is a great gratitude writing exercise to be done alone or in a group, with people of any age.

How to Play

    1. Designate someone to read out each prompt below. (Feel free to add your own prompts.)
    2. After each prompt is read, set a timer for one minute. (With younger kids, this can be shortened. For older folks who want to freewrite meaningfully, more time can be added.)
    3. Each person freewrites by finishing the sentence and elaborating until the timer goes off. (For little kids, this can be done verbally with an adult recording their answers. Hilarity will ensue.)
    4. Remeber that freewriting — allowing yourself to write with abandon — enables you to let go, tapping into your subconscious to explore your thoughts more deeply.
    5. When everyone is done with all the prompts, take turns going through some your answers. Some people may be eager to share. Others may not want to. Respect their decision.

The Prompts

  • I'm grateful for... [After you've finished this prompt, repeat it five times. Challenge yourself and others not to repeat a singe word with each new answer.]
  • The silliest thing I'm grateful for is...
  • The littlest thing I'm grateful for is...
  • The biggest thing I'm grateful for is...
  • The grossest thing I'm grateful for is...
  • One thing I love about myself is...
  • My favorite thing that happened this year was...
  • My hope for next year is...

This writing exercise has resulted in some sweet answers — and many hilarious ones, too. If you try it out, do let us know.

Write on.

noviembre 21, 2025 4 lectura mínima

For the release of Sailfish, our new firmware update for Smart Typewriter Gen3 and Traveler, we created a brand-new boot-up animation to surprise and delight our writers.

We worked with talented Danish animator Mathias Lynge to bring our experience of the writer's journey to life.

We had a blast visualizing the writer's journey in this new way. Our engineers also had a blast (or something less than a blast) figuring out how to adjust this fun, playful animation to E Ink's very tricky specifications. Hello, refresh rate woes! But we think the result is pretty fun.

"The little animation made my day when I noticed. I love a good flourish."

- Freewrite user

The process of creating this animation was long and full of Zoom calls where we deeply discussed the writing process. We were struck through those conversations by how much overlap there is in creative processes of all disciplines.

So we sat down to chat with Mathias about his creative process and what it's like being a full-time animator.

ANNIE COSBY: Let's start with the basics. What kind of art do you make?

MATHIAS LYNGE: I'm a 2D animator and motion designer working freelance with a wide range of clients. The style varies depending on the project, but it’s usually either a hand-drawn look animated frame-by-frame on a drawing tablet, or a more digital, vectorized look made in After Effects.

While much of what I do is commercial work, I try to keep up with my own passion projects as well. That could be a 10-second Instagram loop of a nature scene, or an interesting character design I’ve sketched down with a pencil. It’s there that I get to sharpen my skills and try out new techniques, which often find their way into later client projects.

AC: You often share educational content on social media for other artists. Are you formally trained, or did you teach yourself?

ML: I’m mostly self-taught. I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I went to university that I realized drawing could become a career.

When I first heard terms like “motion design” and “The 12 Principles of Animation” I was on a student exchange program at UCSB in California, where I had chosen a class called "Introduction to Animation." It was a big eye-opener for me, and from that point I was hooked.

But it’s mainly been online YouTube tutorials and my existing drawing experience that have taught me what I know.

Now, I have a big presence on social media, where I share my art as well as educational content centered around animation in Adobe After Effects, so I guess you could say that I'm also an animation influencer!

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I went to university that I realized drawing could become a career.

AC: That's actually how I first found your work. Do you have any specific artists who inspire you?

ML:In the world of 2D animation, I have a list of personal heroes that inspire me with their unique style: Reece Parker, Ariel Costa a.k.a. BlinkMyBrain, and Tony Babel, to name a few.

I also find a lot of inspiration from illustrators and painters I discover online, on platforms such as Pinterest. Last year I made a sparkling water animation that was heavily inspired by Cornwall-based artist Gordon Hunt. He makes these beautiful nature-inspired pointillist paintings that capture how light hits the ocean using colorful dots of paint. I tried to recreate that effect using After Effects to bring it to life, and it led me to a whole new way of animating within the program.

AC: Where else do you draw inspiration to create your work?

ML: I’m heavily inspired by the nature and cityscapes around me in Copenhagen, and I find that taking long walks through parks or down the streets of my neighborhood really sparks my imagination.

I’ll often carry around a sketchbook to quickly scribble down an idea or a loose sketch of something I find interesting, such as seeing how the light from a lamppost hits the surrounding leaves, or how the wind moves the tree in a certain way.

Then I’ll think to myself, “I wonder if I can recreate that motion using a specific technique in After Effects?”

I’m heavily inspired by the nature and cityscapes around me in Copenhagen...

AC: What does your daily routine look like as a full-time artist?

ML: It varies a lot, but I’m usually either working hard on a client project or tinkering away with a new animation tutorial for my social media channels.

I love being able to switch between the two, and when I’m going through a client dry spell, I find that staying creative and posting animation-related content helps keep me inspired while also putting things out into the world that may lead to my next client down the road.

AC: What's your #1 piece of advice for animators new to the industry?

ML: Keep experimenting and trying out new techniques. There’s no such thing as running out of creativity, and even though many of the things you try don’t necessarily go anywhere, it’s all experience that adds up and expands your toolbox. It’s a muscle that needs to be worked out regularly.

Plus, you’ll have more awesome animation to choose from when you’re putting together your next showreel or portfolio!

There’s no such thing as running out of creativity...

AC: What's one fun fact about you completely unrelated to animation?

ML:I’m a big sucker for history podcasts, especially if they are about ancient civilizations, such as The History of Rome by Mike Duncan.

I find it fascinating to hear how mankind was able to build such great empires without ever knowing what electricity, cars, or the internet are.

--

Follow along on Mathias's creative journey and find his free educational content on Instagram.

To learn more about working together, find him on LinkedIn or visit his website at www.mathiaslynge.com.

Learn more about Sailfish here.