Our 3rd Annual Personal Story Writing Contest


Below are the answers to your questions about writing, judging, rules and teaching with this competition. Please read them thoroughly and if you still can’t find what you are looking for, post your questions in the comments or write to us at LNFeedback@nytimes.com.

Writing Questions

What is a personal narrative?

For this competition, we define a personal narrative as a short, powerful, true story about a specific experience, event or event from your real life.

‘Cause you’re telling a story about someone special moment For example, it should be a clear statement rather than summarizing your entire life or reflecting on your feelings about an issue. narrative arc – a beginning, middle and end – driven by some kind of conflict that eventually resolves or encourages an ongoing attempt at life change.

However, remember that any story can work. It doesn’t have to be the most dramatic thing to happen to you; instead, it could be about baking a cake with your brother or a conversation you had on the bus ride to school on Tuesday. It’s all about how you say it.

And a good personal narrative not only tells a story, it also a reason to say that, so readers walk away with a greater sense of meaning or a universal message they can relate to. The best essays usually do this skillfully, leaving room for the reader’s own interpretation.

How can I make my post stand out?

We are primarily looking for good storytelling as described above. But we’re also looking for a lively and gripping piece of writing. A few tips:

  • Engage your readers from the start throw them on the stage.

  • write from your point of view real sound. We want to see your personality on the page.

  • Follow the proverb”show, don’t tell.” For example, don’t say ‘my brother is mad’. Instead, describe clenched fists or enlarged nostrils. Such images elicit a stronger reaction because readers can imagine the scenes you are describing and feel what the narrator is feeling. But be careful to avoid overly fancy or complex statements that could negatively impact your story.

  • Try to avoid sweeping conclusions, clichés, and clichés (like “it’s always darkest before dawn”). A strong story will give us clues about its themes without having to articulate it.

I have no idea what to write about. Where should I start?

Everyone has a story to tell. Read articles in the Times’ personal narrative columns (link below) or check out the winning articles below. 2019 and 2020.



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