Episode 315 - Reigniting Your Creativity with Writing Contests with Polly Campbell
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Polly Campbell discusses REIGNITING YOUR CREATIVITY WITH WRITING CONTESTS, including
how contests can boost your creativity, help you generate new story ideas, and strengthen your writing craft; how prompts and deadlines can push you out of your comfort zone in a positive way; why low-stakes experimentation leads to better work; and how connecting with other writers through contests can build community, motivation, and momentum in your writing life.
Polly Campbell is the author of You, Recharged: How to Beat Fatigue (Mostly), Amp Up Your Energy (Usually), and Enjoy Life Again, (Always), and three other books. She is the host of the Simply Write w/Polly Campbell podcast and her magazine articles about writing and strategies for living a better life appear regularly in online and print publications. She is a regular speaker at writer's conferences. Find her insights on writing craft and crafting a writer's life at simplywrite.substack.com.
Episode Links
https://simplywrite.substack.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pollylcampbell/
Referenced in the podcast:
Matty’s appearance on Polly’s podcast, Simply Write: https://open.spotify.com/episode/70wGA0erZcc5rgwtViqhr5
More resources:
https://selfpublishingadvice.org/author-awards-contests-rated-reviewed/
Episode 295 - Unlocking the Power of Book Awards with Hannah Jacobson
Episode 280 - Insider Tips from Writing Contest Judges with Clay Stafford
Episode 205 - The Pros and Cons of Writing Contests with Becky Tuch
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Polly Campbell about the unexpected creative and professional benefits of entering writing contests. Drawing from Polly’s experience as an author, podcaster, and magazine contributor, the conversation explores how contests can provide structure, motivation, community, and a renewed sense of creative freedom for writers.
WHY WRITERS ENTER CONTESTS
Polly explains that her interest in writing contests began when she noticed how many people in her writer’s group participated in them—not necessarily to win, but for other reasons entirely. When she asked why writers submitted to contests that attracted hundreds or thousands of entries, one colleague told her, “It has nothing to do with whether I’m gonna win or not.” This perspective surprised her in a culture focused on outcomes, and it inspired her to explore contests as a way to improve the writing process itself.
Polly shares that her own first contest entry began almost as a “lark,” squeezed between errands and family activities. Without the pressure of contracts, edits, or publication timelines, she found the experience fun and creatively liberating. The difference, she says, is that contest writing has a built-in deadline, but it is not tied to payment or business goals. This combination creates what she calls “useful pressure”—the kind of structure that motivates without overwhelming.
THE BENEFITS OF DEADLINES AND STRUCTURE
A major theme of the conversation is the value of deadlines. Polly says that even though her professional writing life is filled with deadlines, the constraint of writing a story in 24 hours for a contest was different because the stakes were low and the creative space was wide open. She describes receiving a prompt at midnight and having until the next midnight to produce a story, all while living her regular life. This forced her to write quickly, without overthinking or over-editing.
Polly explains that such structure helps writers “play within the boundaries” and pushes them past perfectionism. She notes that when writers polish too much, they can “revise and edit that energy right out of the piece.” Contests prevent this by limiting the time available and encouraging writers to trust their instincts.
CREATIVE FREEDOM AND EXPERIMENTATION
Polly talks about how contest prompts and short word counts encouraged her to approach writing more playfully. One of her prompts required a sleeping bag to appear in the story—something she had never written about before. Instead of feeling restricted, she found the randomness energizing. She says she wrote a “ludicrous little story” and had “the best time,” and that the experience reminded her why she loved writing in the first place.
She also notes that one of her writing friends enters contests year-round specifically because he likes having both the structure and the freedom that contests provide. He later uses these raw, energetic drafts to build anthologies, demonstrating how contest submissions can become publishable material.
COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
One of the surprising benefits Polly discovered was the sense of community surrounding many writing contests. Although she describes herself as “not a joiner,” her participation in a large contest hosted by NYCMidnight introduced her to writers across genres and experience levels. The contest provided forums where participants could discuss prompts, share entries, and connect with others writing in the same round.
Polly notes that some writers she interviewed for an article had formed lasting friendships through these forums, even becoming daily writing partners despite living on opposite coasts. She emphasizes that in a time when writing can feel isolating, contests can bring writers together into supportive, energized groups.
Matty adds that genre-focused contests may be especially useful for writers who want feedback or community connected directly to their style or subject matter. Both agree that contests with active communities can be an excellent way for writers to meet others who share their interests and goals.
CONTESTS AS A TOOL FOR PRODUCTIVITY
Polly underscores that many writers benefit from contests because they offer a concrete reason to write—especially helpful for those balancing writing with day jobs or family commitments. One writer she knows openly admits, “I would not write without a deadline.”
This resonates with Matty, who shares that she has a personal goal of completing twelve short stories for a planned collection, but stalled after nine. She jokes that entering more contests may be the push she needs to finish the remaining stories.
AUTHOR NOTES AND READER ENGAGEMENT
Matty also describes how contests can enhance the reader experience. She enjoys writing author’s notes that reveal how a story began—especially when the idea sprang from an unexpected prompt, such as a requirement that “the bad guy has to win” or that profanity be encouraged. She says readers appreciate learning those behind-the-scenes elements, and Polly agrees, saying she loves hearing “where ideas come from” because it reminds writers that inspiration can emerge from anywhere.
CONSIDERING FEEDBACK AND CRITIQUE
The conversation touches on contests that include peer critique. Polly acknowledges that some writers enjoy receiving feedback from fellow participants, but she personally prefers not to open her work to large numbers of strangers who may not understand her goals or experience level. She encourages writers to read contest rules carefully to understand what rights they are granting and whether their work will be publicly shared or critiqued.
Matty mentions the importance of avoiding predatory contests and suggests looking for contests that meet standards such as transparent judging processes, appropriate prize structures, and fair rights retention. Polly adds that many legitimate contests do not require an entry fee, providing options for writers at all budget levels.
LOW-STAKES PRACTICE AND LONG-TERM GROWTH
Polly believes that writing contests help writers grow because they provide short, high-energy opportunities to practice essential storytelling skills—strong openings, tension, character, and structure—without the pressure of a large project. She says that good writing requires these fundamentals in every format, whether “an email or a book.” Contest entries, with their tight deadlines and focused prompts, allow writers to practice these skills in concentrated bursts.
She also highlights the satisfaction that comes from finishing a piece quickly, especially compared to longer works like books or feature-length articles. Small wins build momentum and help writers rediscover joy in the craft.
CONCLUSION
The episode concludes with both Matty and Polly agreeing that writing contests offer valuable opportunities for creativity, community, and skill-building. Whether a writer enters to improve craft, meet other writers, or simply enjoy a creative challenge, contests can provide a structured-yet-playful space for experimentation. Polly encourages writers to explore contests that match their comfort level and objectives, and to embrace the aspects of the process that help them stay motivated and connected to their work.