Free Upcoming Contests

I've rounded up information about a few writing contests that are fast approaching.  If you love competition, like me, then the following will probably make your mind explode with ideas.

Deadline:  2/29/2012

Contest Name:  2012 Writing Contest

For:  Writers

Theme:  Anything goes

Submit:  Fiction up to 1,500 words

Prizes:  $500 for 1^st and $200 for 2^nd

Website:  http://www.witf.org/contests-and-giveaways/enter-the-2012-writing-contest-short-story-competition

Deadline:  2/29/2012

Contest Name:  Write While You Wait

For:  Writers

Theme:  Use these five words: hullabaloo, contest, hurry up and wait, kimchi, beer

Submit:  Fiction up to 150 words

Prizes:  $25

Website:  http://www.mr-jordan.net/

Deadline:  3/1/2012

Contest Name:  The East India Press Short Story Contest

For:  Writers

Theme:  Good writing/optional setting

Submit:  Fiction up to 2,500 words

Prizes:  $1,000, publication and manuscript consideration

Website:  http://nightingalenovel.com/contest.html

Deadline:  3/2/2012

Contest Name:  Next Top Artist

For:  Artists and writers

Theme:  Anything goes

Submit:  Fiction/nonfiction novel excerpt up to 5,000 words or a drawing

Prizes:  $5,000 and advertisement of artwork/critique of manuscript

Website:  http://www.tarchertopartist.com/official-rules/

Deadline:  3/15/2012

Contest Name:  Annual Ultra-Short Competition

For:  Writers and poets

Theme:  Anything goes

Submit:  Fiction or poetry up to 150 words

Prizes:  $300

Website:  http://www.umm.maine.edu/ultra-short-competition.html

Deadline:  4/9/2012

Contest Name:  "If you can write…"

For:  Writers

Theme:  Ideals based on the poem "IF"

Submit:  Fiction up to 6,700 words and nonfiction up to 2,500 words

Prizes:  $500 for 1^st, cash prizes for 2^nd and 3^rd, and publication in online magazine

Website:  http://www.allthingsif.org/if-you-can-write