Writing

Writing is one of 10 artistic disciplines in YoungArts’ national competition. This discipline encompasses fiction, nonfiction, play or script, poetry and spoken word.

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Competition Eligibility

To be eligible, you must be able to answer ”Yes“ to these statements:

  • I am either a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident/green card recipient, or I can demonstrate that I am legally able to receive taxable income in the United States.  
  • I am in grades 10–12 or 15–18 years of age on December 1 of the year I am applying. 
  • If I’m selected as an award winner with distinction, this would be my first time attending National YoungArts Week.

Application Requirements

These requirements are for a past application cycle and are for reference only. Requirements will be updated for the 2028 cycle, which opens in Summer 2027.

Writing – Fiction

 

Writing – Nonfiction

 

Writing – Play or Script

 

Writing – Poetry

 

Writing – Spoken Word

 

Writing – Unlisted

The 2028 YoungArts application opens in Summer 2027.

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Resources

Tips from Panelists

Christopher Castellani, Writing National Selection Panel Chair

Select Readings from Winners

Ulysses Hill | Writing/Creative Nonfiction

Ulysses Hill | Creative Nonfiction

Shaliz Bazldjoo | Writing/Novel

Shaliz Bazldjoo | Novel

Mac Stern | Writing/Play/Script

Mac Stern | Play/Script

Daniel Liu | Writing/Poetry

Daniel Liu | Poetry

Amy Wang | Writing/Short Story

Amy Wang | Short Story

Zoe Dorado | Writing/Spoken Word

Zoe Dorado | Spoken Word

View select works from winners here.

See our FAQ for answers to common questions about the competition and application.

For the first time, I felt confident and so centered in my art—for the first time, I had the opportunity to talk to talented and powerful artists my age and learn from them.”

— Sarah Mohammed (2021 Writing)