Welcome to Wonderland!
We're not afraid of a pack of cards either...or a pack of words!
We're challenging YOU to write a story in only 52 words for a chance to join us at the Spring Thaw!
Submissions start today, February 18th and will close at 11:59 pm on March 4, 2025. Voting takes place from March 6 - March 9, 2025. The winner will be announced on March 11th, 2025, ahead of registration.
Please include the title, your name, and an email address at the top of your entry.
The Contest
- Write a story appropriate for kids, using only 52 words. They do not need to be 52 different words, but the story must be only, and exactly, 52 words.
- There are no limitations on style or genre. Make it happy, make it sad. Make it rhyme, make it prose.
- The story must connect to our theme, 'Welcome to Wonderland', in some way, big or small.
- Title is not included in the word count.
- No illustrations please.
The Rules
- You must be a current SCBWI-IL Member and resident of Illinois to enter; there is only one entry per member.
- Entries should be in pdf or doc format.
- File Naming: LastName_FirstName_TitleWithoutSpaces_2025WTW.doc or .pdf (i.e. Morgan_Pamela_AliceNeverSleeps_2025WTW.pdf)
- Please include your title, name, and an email address at the top of your entry.
- Click to upload your files to DROPBOX.
- Entries must be uploaded by 11:59 pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- All entries will be placed into an online form and voted on by fellow SCBWI-Illinois members.
- Voting will take place from March 6 - March 9, 2025.
- The winning writer will receive free attendance at the Spring Thaw event.
The Prize
The winning writer will receive one in-person or online attendance to the 2025 Spring Thaw, which includes 2 online Through the Looking Glass Conversations, a Pitch & Prune session, and post-event submission opportunities.
QUESTIONS? Email Pamela Morgan, Co-RA illinois-ra@scbwi.org
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I write a story in only 52 words?
We suggest checking out Vivian Kirkfield's 50 Precious Words. This contest challenges writers to write complete stories in 50 words or less. And sharing with trusted critique partners, of course!
What if my story is less than 52 words?
We're asking that every manuscript be exactly 52 words. If yours doesn't meet the word requirement, it will not be included in the online form for member voting.
What if my story is longer than 52 words?
We ask that all stories be exactly 52 words. If your story is longer, we will have to cut it off at 52. This may result in a story not being complete, so please make every effort to be 52 words long.
Can I use the same word twice?
Absolutely! You can use the same word as many times as you want. You can use it 52 times if it makes a complete story! We'd be impressed.
What if I missed the submission window?
I'm sorry but that means you won't be eligible for this contest, but you can still join us at Spring Thaw when registration opens.
What happens to my story when the contest is over?
Win or lose, your story is YOUR story! The winning story will be published in the Prairie Wind, but we have no permissions over your story, before, during, or after this contest. We're just so grateful you submitted!