Anybody interested in fiction writing should check out theYoung Voices Foundation's website. http://youngvoicesfoundation.org/ The foundation hosts writing contests for teenaged authors. Not that I enjoy bragging (ok, I rather enjoy bragging) yours truely recently finished second place in one of their writing contests. My story is called "Great Uncle Samuel," you can read it on the Young Voices Foundation's Website. "Great Uncle Samuel" is the story of a young boy who is sent to live with an older member of his family, and begins learning things about the old man's past. It deals with themes such as divorce and the relationship between children and the elderly.
In any event, young authors from around the country are invited to write short fiction about various themes (patriotism, family, responsibility, ect.) Top prize is five hundred dollars.
The judges for this award are outstanding, and honestly take an interest in young authors. One judge, Dr. Twila Liggett, was the founder of Reading Rainbow. Another judge, Jonathan Maberry, has really helped me hone my writing. I contacted him after it was annonced that I won second place, and he has allowed me to interview me for my school's paper, as well as invited me to local writer's events.
Good luck to anyone who wishes to enter the contest. Let me know how it goes.
