The Benefits of Participating in Poetry Contests

The question that many poets today ask themselves is whether they should enter poetry contests or not. The idea to take part in these competitions can be quite thrilling and enticing, especially when you think about winning. Apart from winning the momentary prize, you will also get prestige, which is more important. Read on to know the major reasons to consider entering poetry contests.

Do Something New

Whenever you enter contests, you will have to focus on the task at hand. As a result, you may end up putting other creative works on hold. This will give you time to concentrate on the poems that you are submitting for the poetry competitions. Writing creative work for a contest can be a perfect distraction from other literary works. Furthermore, when you return to your other works, you will have a refreshed and more creative mind that will work with more vigor. 

You Get Cash

If you win the contest, you will get cash. Money is s very powerful motivator to join a contest regardless of what is being offered. Everyone needs money to survive and getting the prize money will give you some extra cash. You can use this money to purchase your next laptop or support your current lifestyle. There is so much that you can do with the extra money you get if you win a contest. 

Get More Inspiration to Write

Poetry contests can be quite an inspirational spark.  Some competitions impose a topic or theme can inspire poets leading them to their next great idea. Most contests have a deadline and you will be required to submit your poem before the specified time. This will motivate people to act immediately instead of staying with the idea for several years. 

Get Some Bragging Rights

If you win or almost win a poetry contest, you will have something to tell other people about. Winning anything gives you the rights to brag about it. You have worked so hard for weeks or months. Winning is shameless. Furthermore, winning literary awards tends to hold much weight. You can use your win in your bio to further your career or impress other people. 

Get Published

Some poetry competitions may offer publication as part of the prize. This is true, especially for poems. You may land a spot in a magazine, an anthology, or even a book of poems. Getting published is a great way of taking your poems out to the world and letting your name be known to more audiences and poets. 

Get Validated

For most writers, validation is a tricky benefit. This is because you become a valid writer as soon as you write your literary works. This means that validation should come from within and not from external sources. However, for most writers winning a contest is proof that their poems resonate with other people. 

In most cases, the only people who see your work is always your parents, spouse, and your furry pets. When you enter poetry contests, you boost your exposure. This means that other people will read your poems, especially when you win or you become one of the finalists. You will be noticed by people who love poetry, poets, and judges.