How to Win a Writing Challenge

Do you wonder how to win a writing challenge and be published?

Here is a sneak peek of my guest post for COMPEL Training Blog about how to win a writing challenge and be published.

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How to Win a Writing Challenge

COMPEL offers many wonderful writing opportunities to its members that I have had the opportunity of being a part of. I love the mixture of excitement, joy, nervousness, and motivation when they announce a challenge. And every time, I ask myself the question: “How can I write a winning devotion?” We participate in writing challenges, whether with COMPEL or other opportunities, because we hope to win and be published, don’t we? 

So I was exhilarated when I got the email that my devotion had been selected for the COMPEL Freedom from Worry Devotion Challenge. After the feelings settled, I read my devotion again, thinking about my process and trying to figure out why they had selected my devotion this time. I want to share with you several lessons I learned from winning this challenge. 

#1 Following the Guidelines Carefully

The first thing I did was to make myself acquainted with the guidelines and carefully choose the topic and the focus verse. I thought about several potential topics, so I prayed about them before choosing to write the devotion titled “Dwelling in Safety,” addressing the fear of the future. It is best to choose a topic you are familiar with, something you have experienced as a problem or struggle but have also received God’s answer and provision in this area. 

Read the rest of the post to find out the next lessons I learned from winning a challenge at COMPEL Training Blog and be strengthened and encouraged.

More articles on writing and blogging you can find here.

Where You Can Find My Winning Devotion

You can find my winning devotion in Proverbs 31 Ministries’ newest devotional “Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart: Prayers and Devotions for Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry.” For a limited time, you can get a copy FREE with a donation of your choice to Proverbs 31 Ministries.

More Encouragement for Bloggers, Writers, and Creatives

If you need inspiration and encouragement as a writer and creative, I can recommend these selected books on the writing life and creativity. Check them out.

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin

Do Your Art: A Manifesto on Rejecting Apathy to Bring Your Best to the World by Chad R. Allen  

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Real Artists Don’t Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age by Jeff Goins

The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice by Todd Henry

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazer

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Your Turn

What lessons have you learned from participating in writing challenges? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!

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