The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission invites budding and experienced Geneva writers to share their original work through Geneva Write Now, a short story contest. This new literary arts program is an opportunity to discover and enjoy the stories of local writers from home while connecting the community through the arts.

Who

Geneva residents with three age levels: middle school, high school and adults.

What

Fiction and nonfiction short stories (1,200 words max, shorter is fine) writing contest. The short story contest theme is Geneva in the year 2020 or 2021. The Cultural Arts Commission will review the submissions and then a panel of local all-star literary celebrities will choose the winners.

When

Applications will be accepted from Monday, Jan. 11 to 5 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021. Contest is limited to the first 150 entries received. Winners will be announced in late April.

How To Participate

Please submit your family-friendly entries (one submission per person) through the Write Now submission form or mail a hard copy to: City of Geneva, Geneva Cultural Arts Commission, 22 S. First St, Geneva, IL 60134 (No handwritten submissions, please). 

Prizes

Geneva Chamber of Commerce gift certificates will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in each category (see below). Winning stories will be published on the City's website and highlighted on social media.

More Information

For more information about Write Now, contact Cate Tracy, Business Development Analyst and Cultural Arts Commission liaison at culturalarts@geneva.il.us.