“I was awarded an honorable mention in the contest. It was the first time I had won any kind of award for fiction writing. I remember feeling very proud; it boosted my confidence to know that professional writers saw potential in my work. My positive experience with the NIE contest helped inspire me to submit my writing to other contests. I was awarded a National Gold Medal and an American Voices Medal in the 2019 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for a fantasy short story. After I graduated from high school, I decided to pursue a career as a writer. I have a BA in Creative Writing from Florida State University, and I am currently working on my MA in Creative Writing at Leeds Trinity University. Being a writer and a storyteller has become an essential part of my identity.” - Alanna Felton, 2017 Honorable Mention

“The experience with the contest was extraordinary. I'd submitted for small contests at my school before, but winning the NIE contest felt much more real and impactful than anything I'd done before. The awards ceremony was also a really important moment for me as a writer. Typically, I don't share much of what I write. But being able to get up on stage and read a part of my story and see how the crowd reacted and listen to their questions afterwards was so rewarding.

I did continue to write some in college and took a class in creative writing. I was also involved with some literary organizations on campus, but the constraints of time and class and other work definitely decreased my output. However, in my final year, some friends and I did put together a zine of our own (entirely featuring student-written horror stories on the theme of 'deer being creepy'). This was just a fun little side project we embarked on, but it was a fun process to be a part of. Writing continues to be a hobby for me, and I hope in future to submit to more contests and maybe see where things go!... I still remember the day I received the email that I had won the contest.” - Graham Hill, 2018 Grand Prize Winner

“It was my first time applying to a writing contest. I really enjoyed the topic and it’s something I’m proud of still to this day. After the contest, it motivated me to take a couple of creative writing courses in college.” - Jackson Moran, 2021 Honorable Mention

“Being named an Honorable Mention really helped my confidence with writing.” - Sophie Madle, 2021 Honorable Mention

“My experience with the contest was so encouraging. While it wasn't the first time I’d entered a writing contest (nor even the first time I’d won a writing contest) it was the first time I realized, ‘Hey, this writing thing might actually be possible.’ The contest absolutely had a lasting impact. I’m still seriously writing and drafted my second full-length novel this summer—it's in revisions now, and I’m also working on developing a trilogy. I’m now at college majoring in Liberal Studies and plan to attend an online school for writers (the Author Conservatory) after college. I do hope to make creative writing my career someday, and I’m so thankful this contest gave me the encouragement to follow that dream.” - Lydia Cooper, 2022 Grand Prize Winner

“Writing contests were a new experience for me and this was the first one I had entered. The award ceremony was fun, informative, and allowed me to meet other writers my age. I have continued to write and found a love for writing fictional short stories and excerpts. I have entered a few other contests since, and I am considering a minor in creative writing when I am older.” - Teagan Reeves, 2023 Honorable Mention

“I found my time with the contest very formative. Although this was not my first time entering a writing contest, this was my first time entering the Tampa Bay Times Writing Contest. The award ceremony is possibly one of the greatest moments of my life. I will continue to submit my writing to contests, I hope I'll be able to enter the Tampa Bay Writing Contest again. I'm considering majoring in English and becoming a librarian while writing on the side.” - Brinleigh Brittain, 2024 First Runner-Up (tie)

“The experience was amazing and very calming, especially because this was my first time entering a writing contest, but everything from the Tampa Bay Times staff and to my fellow writers, made it a wonderful experience! This contest has given me the courage to write more, and even join my school's creative writing club, as I originally entered in the contest for a school assignment, but I now enjoy writing more.” - Sofia Call, 2024 First Runner-Up (tie)