Writing is one of 10 artistic disciplines in YoungArts' national competition. This discipline encompasses fiction, nonfiction, play or script, poetry and spoken word. Applicants must be in grades 10-12 or 15-18 years of age on December 1 of the year they are applying. The strongest submissions demonstrate a sense of inventiveness, show attention to the complexities and technical aspects of language, and have a clear, original, and distinct point of view. For the Fiction category, one piece of writing not to exceed 15 pages must be submitted. For the Nonfiction category, two separate pieces of writing must be submitted. Material may be memoir, autobiographical, or creative essay. For the Play or Script category, one script for dramatic performance must be submitted. Scripts for musicals are not permitted. For the Poetry category, three to five separate poems must be submitted. For the Spoken Word category, two to three written poems must be submitted. Separate video performance for each spoken poetry submission is also required. Please visit the award's website for more information.