I don’t live in the US or Canada but I want to enter the contest. How can I enter the contest?
We don’t like people outside of the US and Canada. Just kidding! Because of contest and sweepstakes laws in foreign jurisdictions, if you live outside of the US or Canada, you’re invited to submit an entry but you can’t win the gift certificate prize at the end. You can still win a place in the Hall of Fame though, so it’s worth a shot. For more detailed information, please see the Rules.
Can I mail or email my entry?
You could but it won’t count. We only accept entries that are posted on a website or blog. Once it’s posted, please submit it using the entry form.
I don’t have a blog or a website. What should I do?
Don’t fret! You can easily get one. Set up a blog for free at one of the many different sites out there; we recommend LiveJournal or Vox. The process is just a few steps and both options make it incredibly easy for you to correctly link the 10 Challenge words.
Do I have to use all 10 words? That’s an awful lot of random words!
Yes, you do have to use all 10 words. And yes, it is an awful lot of random words. If it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be a challenge now would it?
Does it count if I use another form of the word? Am I allowed to conjugate it and still get credit for using it?
Of course. If the word is "serendipity," you are welcome to use "serendipitous" and it will still count. Likewise if it's a verb &mdash you're welcome to conjugate the verb to fit the tense of the story.
Can I submit an entry that contains the 10 words and nothing else?
Only if you want us to make fun of you.
What is a hyperlink?
A hyperlink, also called a link, is text on a webpage or in a file that, when clicked with the mouse, directs the user to another location either within that file/page or in another file/page.
How do I hyperlink the words in my entry?
Each word needs to be hyperlinked to the actual definition page. If you go to www.answers.com and type in a word in the search bar, it will bring you to the definition page. At the very bottom of each definition page is a chain link icon with the word "link" next to it. Click the icon and it will take you to a page with the URL that you can cut and paste into your entry.
LiveJournal or Vox both have built-in tools denoted with a similar chain link icon to make hyperlinking fast and easy. Just click on the "link" button, paste the URL in the box that appears, and hit "OK."
If you have trouble with hyperlinking, please check the LiveJournal or Vox FAQ or contact us.
That hyperlinking thing is cool! Can I hyperlink other words or am I limited to only the 10 required words?
Of course you can hyperlink other words in your entry! Hyperlinking is an easy way to allow your readers access to more in depth information. Why would you want to keep such knowledge to yourself!?
My child is an amazing writer and wants to enter the Challenge but he/she is under the age of 18. What can we do?
You are welcome to submit on behalf of your child but just know that he or she will be up against the 'big kids.'
I have a question about the Writing Challenge that wasn't covered in this FAQ. What do I do?
Please contact us directly if you have additional questions about the Writing Challenge.
