I can vouch for how well-organized and inspiring they are. The library doesn’t just host generic competitions; they tailor them to foster creativity. For instance, last spring, they ran a 'Micro-Novella Marathon,' where writers had 48 hours to draft a 10,000-word story based on a surprise prompt. The energy was electric, and the judging panel included a local indie publisher.
They also host annual events like the 'Young Authors Showcase,' which highlights teen writers, and seasonal contests tied to holidays or literary themes. What’s great is the feedback—even if you don’t win, the librarians often provide constructive notes. I’ve seen everything from sci-fi to slice-of-life submissions thrive here. Their social media pages usually announce deadlines early, so follow them if you’re serious about joining. The prizes range from bookstore gift cards to free writing workshops, which are golden opportunities for budding novelists.
I can confidently say they do host novel writing contests! The library is incredibly supportive of local writers and often collaborates with community organizations to run these events. Last year, they held a 'Summer Fiction Challenge' where participants had to submit a short novel draft within three months. The winner got their work reviewed by a published author, which was a huge deal. They also occasionally partner with nearby colleges for youth-focused contests. If you're interested, I'd recommend checking their bulletin board or website—they post updates there frequently. The contests usually have themes, like 'fantasy world-building' or 'historical romance,' so it's worth keeping an eye out for something that matches your style.
Irvin Young Library is a hidden gem for writers! I stumbled upon their novel writing contests a while back, and it’s been a game-changer for my craft. They don’t just stick to one format—sometimes it’s a straight-up manuscript competition, other times it’s a collaborative event where you team up with illustrators. The 'Dialogue Duel' last winter was my favorite: contestants had to write a novel chapter using only dialogue, and the winning entry got featured in the local paper.
What stands out is their inclusivity. They have categories for different age groups and genres, so whether you’re into gritty noir or whimsical middle-grade fiction, there’s a spot for you. The library also hosts post-contest mixers where participants can network, which is how I met my current critique group. If you’re on the fence, just go for it—the community alone is worth it, not to mention the chance to see your work celebrated.
2025-07-14 10:10:50
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YEARNERS: A COLLECTION SHORT STORIES
Vaspera Linnet
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YEARNERS delivers addictive short stories filled with building tension and passionate moments.
Each tale is a complete journey spread over 7 to 10 chapters.
You’ll find slow teasing that leads to overwhelming encounters, touches turning into strong claims, and characters who lose themselves completely in the wrong person.
Expect deep emotional games, secret conflicts, and characters who give in to what they know is wrong.
Open the book… if you dare to surrender.
This is a brochure containing a collection of PROMPT IDEAS from our one and only GOOD NOVEL WORKSHOP. Every PROMPT is a thrilling idea that might inspire you and can be the foundation of your next book! If interested, Please send your summary to: workshop@goodnovel.com, and note which prompt is based on. Our editors will get back to you as soon as possible.
"A brilliant, aloof lawyer, Phin Younger has focused solely on his career and on helping people less fortunate.
Living his life without romance? He’s just fine with that. Phin knows all too well how relationships make life messy and complicated.
Until the day Emily Lassiter begs Phin to help her teenage brother. Beautiful but as fierce as a lioness, Emily is like no other woman he’s met.
Suddenly, all of Phin’s plans to avoid romantic entanglements are thrown out the window the moment he sets eyes on Emily.
A former model, Emily now struggles to make ends meet for herself and for her teenage brother Josh. When Josh commits a crime that could put him behind bars for years, she turns to her brother’s court-appointed lawyer, Phin Younger, for help.
But Emily never expected that her brother’s lawyer would be young and handsome. And she definitely never expected that Phin’s kiss would heat a need inside her that soon transforms into a conflagration.
When these two can no longer deny their feelings for each other, an embittered rival of Phin’s threatens to destroy his career, dragging Emily into the scandal.
Now these star-crossed lovers must overcome the fears that hold them captive—or face a future without the love that could set them both free."
Breaking news across every major media outlet was suddenly dominated by the tragic death of Ayleen Hazel, the rising bestselling novelist, who was declared dead after a devastating accident. Ironically, one of her most popular novels was just about to be adapted into a film.
But what if Ayleen suddenly woke up years before she ever became famous? Would she seize this second chance to rewrite her destiny?
Ilyria Agrio, is the beautiful and headstrong daughter of the most powerful woman in the desert city of Idixat. The night before her arranged marriage to her mother’s business partner, she witnesses him brutally murder her close friend using a strange and unnatural magic. When her mother refuses to believe her, she runs away, determined to seek justice with the Mogul, the benevolent ruler of Idixat. The streets of Idixat can be a cruel place though, especially with the Mogul missing since the last Twin Moon. Ilyria finds shelter with Madame Skia and her companions--but there is a catch. She discovers her own magic--but not how to control it. It is her encounter with the mysterious winged man, the Lightning Bird that truly changes her destiny. But can she trust her own heart? To follow her destiny and find justice, Ilyria must learn to trust her own strength.
For five years, Mira poured her obsession into The Reckoning of Caelen Mors—a dark fantasy about a ruthless duke and the woman he becomes dangerously fixated on. At 2:47 AM, exhausted and alone, she died at her laptop. Her final words still glowed on the screen: "Duke Caelen finally showed her his true face. It was nothing like she imagined."
She woke as Isadora Vess—the secondary character from her manuscript—in a silk bed, in a monster's house, with servants calling her by a name she'd invented.
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Submitting a manuscript to the Irvin Young Library feels like stepping into a literary gateway, and I’ve done it a few times myself. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. You’ll need to prepare your manuscript in a standard format—usually double-spaced, 12-point font, and with clear page numbers. The library typically asks for a cover letter introducing your work, though it shouldn’t be overly verbose. Keep it professional but warm; think of it as a handshake, not a monologue. Include a brief synopsis and any relevant credentials, but avoid sounding like you’re bragging. Humility goes a long way here.
Next, check the library’s submission guidelines online. Some libraries accept digital submissions via email or a dedicated portal, while others might still prefer physical copies. If it’s the latter, print your manuscript on decent-quality paper and bind it simply—no need for fancy covers. A sturdy binder clip works better than a spiral binding. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your manuscript returned. The waiting period can be nerve-wracking, but patience is key. Libraries often have limited staff, so responses might take months. Use that time to start your next project instead of obsessively checking your inbox.
I’ve been digging into writing communities for years, and Bishop Library’s contests are a hidden gem for new authors. They run seasonal competitions, usually themed around genres like fantasy, mystery, or slice-of-life, which is perfect for testing your creative limits. What stands out is their feedback system—judges aren’t just faceless names; they often include local published authors who give detailed critiques. I submitted a short story last winter and got notes that totally reshaped my revision process. The prizes aren’t huge cash sums, but winning includes mentorship sessions and featured spots in their annual anthology, which is a solid boost for visibility.
Their spring contest focuses on microfiction, a brutal but fun challenge to cram emotion into 300 words. The library’s Instagram livestreams the winner announcements, and the comment section turns into this wholesome celebration of everyone’s work. Past themes have included ‘rewrite a fairy tale with a cyberpunk twist’—quirky prompts that force you out of comfort zones. If you’re into niche categories like epistolary horror or bilingual poetry, watch their newsletter; they experiment with formats smaller presses ignore.
the Irvin Young Library's digital collection is a gem worth exploring. Their online catalog hooks you up with classics and contemporary works without emptying your wallet. The library’s OverDrive or Libby setup is where I snag most of my ebooks—just need a library card, which is free if you’re local. Their website’s 'Digital Resources' tab is low-key confusing at first, but once you navigate to the eBooks section, it’s smooth sailing. Pro tip: filter by 'public domain' or 'unrestricted access' to avoid hold queues.
For horror fans, they’ve got Stephen King’s early shorts, and romance lovers can binge on Georgette Heyer. The interface isn’t as flashy as Kindle Unlimited, but it’s reliable. I’ve noticed their collection leans heavy on 20th-century lit, so don’t expect the latest 'Sword Art Online' light novels. If you hit a dead end, their Ask a Librarian chat has saved me twice—real humans, not bots. Also, check their partnerships with Project Gutenberg; some titles redirect there for instant downloads.