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The Oscar Wilde Legacy Contest is unlike any other writing contest for students. It doesn’t reward quiet, safe stories—it rewards bold voices, biting wit, and fearless characters who tell the truth (usually with a smirk). Inspired by the legendary playwright, essayist, and iconoclast Oscar Wilde, this international student writing contest invites you to blend satire, elegance, and social insight into a short piece of original fiction.

From now until September 30, 2025, students around the world are invited to submit their original writing to any of our 23 author-inspired contests—including 19 Legacy Contests for ages 13+ and 4 Junior Contests designed for younger writers. Whether you’re drawn to the eerie world of Edgar Allan Poe, the romantic drama of Jane Austen, the philosophical puzzles of Borges, or the playful imagination of E.B. White, Legacy has a contest for every voice, genre, and creative spark

The Jane Austen Legacy Contest isn’t about writing another Regency-era novel (though you absolutely can if that’s your jam). It’s about channeling Austen’s style—her voice, her irony, her characters with cutting observations—and dragging it, heels first, into the 21st century.

The Mary Shelley Legacy Contest invites student writers to craft a short story about the ethical, emotional, or personal aftermath of scientific innovation. This isn’t about writing a sequel to Frankenstein—it’s about exploring what happens after we create something powerful, and how it reshapes the world (or ourselves).

With the E.B. White Animal Perspective Junior Contest, young writers (ages 13 and under) are invited to step into paws, feathers, fur—or even hooves—and tell a story through the eyes of an animal.

Legacy Writing Awards are international honors that students can proudly list on applications, resumes, or portfolios. Winners receive digital certificates, recognition in the Legacy Anthology, and in many cases, their work is submitted to external publications and youth writing competitions on their behalf—opening even more accolades and opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for the Ivy League, Oxbridge, or top liberal arts colleges, Legacy Writing Contests help you grow the

Vonnegut, the razor-sharp voice behind Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat’s Cradle, didn’t just write science fiction. He wrote satirical fiction laced with dark humor, philosophical despair, and brutal honesty. His stories laughed at war, bureaucracy, and human ignorance—not to mock us, but to wake us up.

Tips for Writing a Rumi-Inspired Entry Whether you're crafting fantasy, horror, or literary fiction, here are some tips to help you write an unforgettable submission: 1. Embrace ambiguity.Rumi rarely gave answers—he asked better questions. Let your story live in the mystery rather than explaining everything. 2. Go emotional, not logical.Rumi’s work reaches straight for the heart. Try writing a scene where the emotional truth matters more than the facts. 3. Use metapho

Legacy’s author-themed writing contests give students a flexible, creative outlet. Each prompt is inspired by a literary figure—from Hemingway’s precision to Poe’s psychological horror—and encourages original storytelling that’s short in length but high in impact. No overthinking. No footnotes. Just words that carry weight. Some students excel on stage. Others shine in science labs. And some simply need a quiet hour and a blank page to express what matters to them.

For high-achieving students balancing AP classes, extracurriculars, and looming college applications, it can feel impossible to carve out time for another “resume booster.” While research programs and long-term academics In short, Legacy Contests give students an affordable and flexible way to distinguish themselves—through a real achievement, in a format that plays directly to your strengths. Interested in applying? You can review the contest calendar and current prompts at

When you think of horror fiction , one name haunts the literary world more than any other: Edgar Allan Poe . Master of the macabre,...

Ernest Hemingway didn’t write short because it was easy. He wrote short because it was true. Known for his spare, precise language and...

Join Legacy's Junior Writing Contests - helping distinguished students test their skills and express creatively.

Looking for the best high school writing competitions? This guide features four top contests for teen writers: the New York Times Editorial Contest, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, John Locke Institute Essay Competition, and Legacy Writing Contests. From opinion pieces to literary emulation, these essay contests help students build skills, gain recognition, and get published. Discover the right writing challenge for you and meet quarterly deadlines to win awards.

Explore two distinct Hemingway-inspired contests at Legacy Writing Contests. Whether you're drawn to minimalist storytelling or experimental prose, discover which challenge aligns with your writing style. Open to students worldwide, these contests honor Ernest Hemingway's literary legacy. Submit your original work and join a global community of young writers at legacycontests.com.

"How to Write Like Oscar Wilde": Unlock the secrets of Oscar Wilde’s iconic writing style with Legacy Writing Contests. This guide explores Wilde’s wit, satire, and literary flair, offering tips to infuse your writing with his distinctive voice. Ideal for students and aspiring writers aiming to emulate Wilde’s brilliance.

Legacy Writing Contests is a global platform where students step into the literary shoes of iconic authors. With themed contests inspired by legends like Hemingway, Angelou, and Poe, young writers ages 13+ can craft original stories and poems in under 1,000 words. Open to high school and college students worldwide, Legacy offers quarterly contests, expert judging, and publication opportunities. Explore, write, and build your legacy today at legacycontests.com.