Take Me Back to School
September Quill Writing Contest
There’s something about going back to school.
A new backpack. A familiar hallway. The teacher who changed everything. The class you’ll never forget. The friend who changed your life. The first day at a new school. The last first day. A note passed under a desk. A lesson that didn’t make sense until years later.
For September’s Quill Writing Contest, we’re taking you Back to School.
Your piece can be fictional or true, funny or heartfelt, nostalgic or completely unexpected. Write a short story, personal essay, narrative, or poem inspired by school, learning, teachers, classmates, first days, last days, or the lessons that stayed with you long after the final bell.
The Required Element
Somewhere in your piece, something must be written by hand.
A note. A name. An answer. A love letter. Words on a chalkboard. Something scribbled in the margin of a textbook.
What is written, who wrote it, and why it matters is entirely up to you.
Contest Details
Contest Theme: Back to School
Entry Deadline: September 15
Final Submission Deadline: October 1
Winners Announced: By October 15
Entry Fee: $30
Quill member discounts apply.
Minimum Length: 150 words for all submissions, including poetry.
Accepted Formats: Fiction, nonfiction, personal essay, narrative, and poetry.
The Grand prize
Up to $100 Cash + a Quill Experience
If the contest reaches 10 or more paid entries, the winning writer will receive a $100 cash prize.
If fewer than 10 writers enter, the winner will receive 50% of the entry fees collected as the cash prize.
The winner will also receive:
✨ A complimentary ticket to an upcoming Quill Literary Supper
✒️ Publication on the Quill website
📖 Featured inclusion in the Quill Anthology
🌟 A Quill Winner Spotlight
HOW TO ENTER
Register and pay your $30 entry fee by September 15.
Once your entry is complete, you’ll receive your official submission link by email.
Then the fun begins.
You’ll have until October 1 to write, rewrite, polish, obsess over one sentence for three days, change it back to the way you originally wrote it, and submit your final piece.
Winners will be announced by October 15.
Sharpen your pencil. Open the laptop. Dig out that old yearbook.
Take us Back to School.
Meet the Judges
Danielle Dahl
Danielle is the CEO of Resilient Stories and the Co-Founder of Quill—House of Ink. She has been writing since she was a teenager, and was first published in a poetry anthology at 16. Before turning 18, she wrote for one of the first online blogs and the local newspaper.
Since then, she has written over 1000 articles/stories for various online publications. She is also the author of Voices of Resilience: Volume One, with more volumes in the works as we type!
Danielle is also a Ph.D. candidate in psychology and fundamentally believes storytelling is medicine and can change the world.
Heather Estus
Heather is the founder and author of The Worthiness Formula, Worthy YOUniversity, and The Worthy Ranch.
She is also the Co-Founder of Quill—House of Ink and an artist.
Heather has a degree in Journalism and over 30 years of non-profit experience.
She is a storyteller at heart, whose mission it is to help others.
Her audience includes professionals, organizations, and individuals.
