A Couple of Contests

I've come across a couple of contests that you might be interested in participating in. Each of them requires some writing on your part, but they have some nice payoffs should you win.

Lets start with the Bloggers Brawl over at Rock and Ice Magazine. They're looking for story submissions on your best (or possibly worst) tales of climbing adventures. Did you have an epic day in the mountains and have always wanted to share it? Here's your chance. On the other hand, did you have one of those days where nothing seems to go right? Send that in too, and go for the sympathy vote. Your story should be no longer than 4000 words and they're accepting submissions through the end of the year, with winners announced in early 2008. Prizes will be some sweet outdoor shoes from La Sportiva Shoes. (Thanks to The Adventurist for this one!)

When you're done writing your brilliant masterpiece for that contest, jump on over to AMapForSaturday.com, the official website for the film A Map For Saturday, which has been getting great critical acclaim and has garnered some impressive awards. It's a documentary about traveling and backpacking around the World and it follows some interesting people who set out to explore. I haven't seen it yet, but I hear great things.

Anyway, they're running a contest of their own, and to enter all you need to do is write a 400 word mini-essay on why you should be selected to travel around the World, much like the subjects of the film. Because, if you win, that's exactly what you'll be doing! The winner of the contest receives a free around-the-world plane ticket, and free stays in 20 hostels on your adventure. That's not all! You'll also receive guide books, presumably of the places you'll be visiting, and a new backpack as well. If that wasn't enough, you'll also receive travel tips and a one-on-one session with Brook Silva-Braga, the director of A Map For Saturday, who I'm sure has plenty of great travel tips for you. (This contest comes via Gadling.)

So, fire up the word processor and put your thinking caps on. Then dash out your story and rake in the winnings!