IT ALL STARTED for the love and necessity of dreaming, creating and sharing. We want to engage the imagination of young minds because of their extraordinary capacity to invent the future.
Medley of covers for the majority designed by the authors.
LA PLUME 2024 YOUNG WRITERS’ CONTEST registration will open April 1st.
La Plume offers Miami-Dade County students the opportunity to express themselves through a short story with rules relevant to their grade level. A panel of professionals from the literary, educational and the art world evaluate all submissions.
A Grand Prize, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner is granted per level (Elementary, Middle School, High School), plus Honorary, Achievement and Encouragement awards.
Cash prizes, plaques, medals and/or certificates are offered to all winners. Grand Prize winners have their original manuscript published as a book and an audiobook narrated by the author. Grand Prize and 1st Place winners each have a video clip made on an excerpt from their story. Depending on the placement, either Creative Writing classes or Editing Workshops are provided to the finalists. Participants’ final edits are compiled in an eBook
Every recipient is celebrated at an Award Ceremony at the end of the year.
Students have the summer to write their stories, which have to be submitted on the first day of Miami-Dade County Public School.
There is a $10 fee to enter which can be waived for students in needs and for any student as long as they are applied directly by their current school teacher.
For more information email: mystory@laplumecontest.com or write your message in contact.
I have participated in La Plume since 2017…..Not only has participating in this contest allowed me to feel more confident in my abilities as a writer, but it has also taught me the value of consistency and support when it comes to creative writing. As stories are written over the summer, I have plenty time to explore different ideas, write and rewrite beginnings, and ultimately produce a work that resonates with me. – Lucia Rose Dahn (consecutive finalist and winner)
Find La Plume Books and Video Clips
The Grand Prize have their manuscript published as a book and, with 1st Place winners, a video clip made on an excerpt from their story. Go to the “entries/videos” pages for more.
Find La Plume News
Get some news about past and current contestants on the students’ projects or publications page.
If you have accomplishments to share, past or future, please email us at mystory@laplumecontest.com or send us a message at https://laplumecontest.com/contact/
Congratulations to Emily Chaffins (La Plume 2021 Grand Prize with the story “Mango”) who graduated this year with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English – Creative Writing from Florida International University and a certificate in Professional and Public Writing.
La Plume Audio
Listen to Lucia Rose Dahn narrating her story Alone, 2018 Middle School Level GRAND PRIZE Winner. Lucia portrays a conflicted protagonist, Fiona, who creates a world of her own, however, isolated from reality, We are in Alaska, and Fiona had lived by herself in the same cabin for 5 years. Because she was scared, except of Jack.
From parents:
“On behalf of our son, we wanted to thank you so much for such a wonderful initiative and event. The award ceremony was exquisite in every sense, all details were taken care of and really, the best part, was to meet all you wonderful people behind La Plume. We remain grateful for all your efforts in producing the most wonderful award ceremony, and for the publication of the book, very well edited, with care and again, the evident love for detail that you show in all you do.” Amalia
“My daughter is ecstatic. Thank you for all the work you and the judges put into this contest. It means more than I can convey in words for a young woman to be recognized in this way. We are grateful to you and La Plume.” Mari
“Thanks to La Plume, my daughter has continued to write in her spare time and is looking forward to writing another story for this contest! Thank you again for hosting such a wonderful event for the kids and your support of the Arts.” Astrid
“Thank you so much for the beautiful awards ceremony – and for organizing this fabulous annual writing challenge that encourages young minds to think in letters! We were so proud to be a part of it.” Jodi
“We want to thank you and congratulate you for such a wonderful contest and award ceremony. Inspiring children in such an enthusiastic, positive and cheerful way is something to applaud. This is a wonderful dream you have and you work so hard to put together every year. You are giving wings to little butterflies!” Fernanda
“The award ceremony was wonderful and I’m sure the kids had a good time. The award gifts continue to be very generous and well received. Thank you for providing this wonderful opportunity for the kids to explore their creative interest and voice in this creative writing contest. My daughter’s desire to learn from the experience and endeavor to improve her writing is strong.” Ruth
“You really make each child feel so special and encourage a love of writing.” Jennifer
“Thanks so much for conducting such an inspiring contest for youth!” Tracie