These are the Frequently Asked Questions about the 2025 writing competition
Please explore the entire website for basics and background on the project.
1. Is there a minimum word count?
No.
2. Can you explain more about the topic?
Many Orange County students have seen their most formative years disrupted by the extreme weather conditions in the region. They’ve watched their schools flood, forcing them to adapt to new ways of continuing their education while many endured the loss of their homes. Some lost extracurricular outlets like band, choir, and drama due to the destruction of their auditoriums. Others lost access to their school’s gym for the very same reason.
Despite these challenges, their voices and stories are often overlooked as they have lacked a public platform to share their unique perspectives. Ancient to the Future & the Lamar Univesity Literary Press seek to address this gap by offering prizes and creating an anthology of creative and non-fiction works by Orange County high school students, focusing on the topic of extreme weather and inequality, at home or anywhere in the world.
3. Can seniors graduating in Spring 2025 compete for this prize?
Yes.
4. What advice or ideas can you give aspiring writers for the prize?
- “Write what you know” is what all writing teachers recommend. Start from your personal experience, what you yourself know or have learned.
- Tell about something specific, even local. It makes writing come to life. Keep in mind that the jury want to hear your voice, not some AI program.
- Tell someone you trust about the prize. Ask them to give input on your work. Use that input to help improve your work.
5. What if my school’s computers can’t access the site (http://ancienttothefuture.org) for uploading writing?
It’s very likely that the school’s technology support needs to WHITELIST the page. Ask them this, or ask a teacher to do so. In a pinch you can use your phone. See below for instructions.
6. How do I upload writing from my phone?
See this instructional video from our last prize competition. It’s for iphone, but android will be similar:
7. How does the $1,000 prize come to the students?
The prize will be announced and checks awarded in fall 2025.
8. What about getting published?
The prize jury will select the five winners and the writings to be published. Lamar University Literary Press will publish the book in fall 2025.