Part of the Howe Writing Center’s mission is to help cultivate a culture of writing that honors a range of voices and perspectives at Miami. That’s why each semester we host a writing contest open to submissions from any Miami undergraduate or graduate student writers. A group of our student consultants lead the contest process, coming up with the prompt, planning ideas for promoting it, and ultimately judging the entries.

We choose a new prompt each semester, typically one that feels resonant with the campus climate at the time. During the Fall semester, the contest opens in late October and the genre of writing varies. During the Spring, the contest happens around April and, in celebration of National Poetry Month, calls for poems. Entries are judged according to adherence to the prompt, a reflective writer's note, and the piece itself. First and second prizes are awarded, along with a staff choice prize, or, occasionally, an honorable mention. Winners receive prizes plus temporary publication on our website. Find the latest contest information, and browse past contest themes and winners. 

Follow us on Instagram (@HWCMiami), where we first announce our contests. Calls for submission will also be posted to this webpage. We hope to read your work as part of the next contest!

Finally, know that HWC consultants can support your creative writing in consultations. Simply find a consultant with a creative writing background on our staff page and schedule an appointment with them.

Announcing the Results of the Fall 2022 Writing Contest

The results are in for the Fall 2022 Writing Contest! The winners are:

• 1st Prize: “Demeter in 5 Stages (Acceptance)” by Anna Boyer, Finance and Accounting
• 2nd Prize: “The Radiator” by Caroline Laird, Arts Management (Major), Creative Writing and Digital Writing (Minors)
• 3rd Prize: “The Editor and The Poet” by Jessica Miller, AYA English Education
• Staff Choice: “Drifting through the Grove” by Jacob Bitonte, Kinesiology and Philosophy

Congratulations to all prize recipients!

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