Gina Cooke
Jan 1, 2026
Seeking submissions from K-12 public/private schools and homeschooled students in Escambia (in FL and AL), Santa Rosa, Bay, Okaloosa, Walton, Baldwin, and Mobile counties. Students may enter work in up to four categories: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and the visual arts. Our 2026 theme is "Once Upon a Time." The deadline is April 1st, 2026.
Spread the word! Do you know a talented young writer or artist? Do you have an idea for a story, poem, essay, drawing, painting, or photograph related to the theme of “Once Upon a Time” Would you like to write a modern fairy tale or a story that takes place long ago? Or maybe a poem about a time in your life that has now passed? Perhaps you love the idea of painting a terrifying dragon, a magical unicorn, or a powerful sorceress. The possibilities are endless! We would love to hear your original perspectives.
Emerald Coast Writers' annual Youth Writing and Art Contest will be seeking submissions from K-12 public/private schools and homeschooled students in Escambia (in FL and AL) Santa Rosa, Bay, Okaloosa, Walton, Baldwin, and Mobile counties. Students may enter work in up to four categories: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and the visual arts. Our 2026 theme is "Once Upon a Time."
The contest will open January 1st here on our website, and the deadline to submit is April 1st at midnight. Each winner will be invited to an awards ceremony on May 16th at the West Florida Library in downtown Pensacola and will receive a gift card, as well as a free copy of an anthology featuring their winning entry.
https://westfloridaliteraryfederation.submittable.com/submit