From Edie: Cindy Sproles shares why writers should enter contests and how feedback, deadlines, critiques, and competition can strengthen your craft, build confidence, and support long-term writing success.
Why Writers Should Enter Contests: 6 Lessons That Build Writing Success
by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted
Many of us have just returned from the 2026 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where we met new friends, reunited with the old, and . . . we entered contests.
I’m a firm believer in entering contests for a number of reasons, but most importantly, contests teach us to step out of our comfort zones. It’s one thing to pour into a work, but then to have it judged. Suddenly, the bravest of the brave shrink a bit. Still, contests are vital to the writer. In fact, I’d say if you are in any profession where contests are available, you should enter—they’re that important.
