The VKZ Fiction Writing Contest shines a light on our city through the eyes of our local children and offers an opportunity to be published! Our writing contest is designed to encourage children to practice their writing skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and storytelling techniques. Click on the photo below to see the published works of local kids who entered the previous writer’s contest.
How the Las Vegas Fiction Writing Contest Works
- Requirements:
- Ages 8-18.
- Write a Fiction Short Story (word count: 150-2,500)
- Only one story can be submitted per person.
Local children age 8-18 are invited to submit entries. Send in your piece, between 150-2500 words.
The VKZ Fiction Writing Contest closes July 26. You will be notified within 48 hours that your entry has been received.
Benefits of a Children’s Writing Contest
Winning or even participating in a writing contest can boost a child’s confidence in their abilities and provide validation for their efforts.
Crafting a compelling story or essay requires critical thinking skills, such as problem-solving and logical reasoning, which are beneficial for academic and personal growth.
The VKZ Writing Contest will recognize each child’s talent and hard work with publication on the site. Winners will be published in the digital VKZ Magazine that is distributed to our subscribers, readers, Nellis personnel and new residents.
Participating in our city-wide writing contest can ignite or enhance your child’s passion for writing, leading to a lifelong interest in literature and creative expression.
The VKZ Writing Contest is a fun and rewarding way for children to hone their writing skills, gain recognition for their work, and develop a love for storytelling and self-expression.
Rules for the VKZ Writing Contest
Eligibility:
The contest is open to children aged 8 – 18.
Participants must have parental or guardian consent to enter the contest.
Submission Guidelines:
Entries must be original and written entirely by the child.
Word count should not exceed 150-2500.
Deadline:
All entries must be submitted by July 26.
Late submissions will not be considered. Each participant may submit only one entry.
Judging Criteria:
Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, adherence to the theme/category, grammar, and overall presentation.
The decision of the judges is final.
Prizes:
Certificates will be awarded for first, second, and third place.
Prizes may include certificates and gift cards.
Winners will be announced on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. at Paintdrops Studio.
Ownership of Entries:
Participants retain the rights to their entries, but by entering the contest, they grant Vegas Kids Zone the right to publish and showcase the entries for promotional purposes.
Notification of Winners:
Those not in attendance will be notified via email.
If a winner does not respond within 7 days , the prize may be forfeited.
Publicity:
By entering the contest, participants grant permission for their names and entries to be publicized on Vegas Kids Zone website, social media, and other promotional materials. Entrants will be published on the Vegas Kids Zone site. Winners will be published in the VKZ Magazine. All entrants may be considered for the VKZ Children’s Writing Anthology.
Code of Conduct:
All participants are expected to adhere to a code of conduct promoting positive and respectful behavior.
Inappropriate language or content will result in disqualification.
Contact Information:
For inquiries or additional information, participants or parents/guardians can contact Kimberley McGee at Kim@vegaskidszone.com.
Amendments:
Vegas Kids Zone reserves the right to make changes to the rules or contest details if necessary.
By participating in the contest, entrants and their parents or guardians agree to abide by these rules.

