WRITING Contests

For full details on contest guidelines, eligibility, and prizes, click HERE.

ONE ACT PLAY

Submission Period

May 1 - Oct 15, 2026.

Contest Details

Judge: Justin Maxwell

 Grand Prize:

  • $1,500
  • Professional Staged Reading at TWFest 2026
  • A VIP Festival pass ($600 value)
  • Publication in Bayou Magazine
  • Photo and bio on our website for app. one year
  • Interview feature in our newsletter and social media pages

Finalists will receive a Festival LitPass ($100 value) and have their photos and bios published on our website, in our newsletter, and our social media pages.

Entry Fee: $25

See our 2026 winners and finalists HERE.

POETRY

Submission Period

May 1 - Oct 15, 2026.

Contest Details

Judge: Gina Ferrara

Grand Prize:

  • $1,000
  • VIP Festival pass ($600 value)
  • Public reading at TWFest 2026
  • Publication in French Quarter Journal
  • Photo and bio on our website for app. one year
  • Interview feature in our newsletter and social media pages

Finalists will receive a Festival LitPass ($100 value) and have their photos and bios published on our website, in our newsletter, and our social media pages.

Entry Fee:  $15

 

See our 2026 winners and finalists HERE.

FICTION

Submission Period

May 1 - Oct 15, 2026.

Contest Details

Judge: Bernice L. McFadden

Grand Prize:

  • $1,500
  • Domestic airfare (up to $500) and 3 nights French Quarter accommodations to attend TWFest 2026
  • VIP Festival pass ($600 value)
  • Public reading at TWFest 2026
  • Publication in French Quarter Journal
  • Photo and bio on our website for app. one year
  • Interview feature in our newsletter and social media pages

Finalists will receive a Festival LitPass ($100 value) and have their photos and bios published on our website, in our newsletter, and our social media pages.

Entry Fee: $25

See our 2026 winners and finalists HERE.

VERY SHORT FICTION

Submission Period

May 1 - Oct 15, 2026.

Contest Details

 Judge: Marguerite Sheffer

Grand Prize:

  • $500
  • VIP Festival Pass ($600 value)
  • Public reading at TWFest 2026
  • Publication in French Quarter Journal
  • Photo and bio on our website for app. one year
  • Interview feature in our newsletter and social media pages

Finalists will receive a Festival LitPass ($100 value) and have their photos and bios published on our website, in our newsletter, and our social media pages.

Entry Fee: $10

See our 2026 winners and finalists HERE.