ZBInked

ZBInked Writing Contest

All entries are due by October 31st, 2025
You may enter up to two stories or poems.
All entries must be submitted online at https://bit.ly/ZBInked2025 No paper submissions will be accepted.
ZB Inked is open to all residents of Zion, Winthrop Harbor, and Beach Park and students 3rd-12th grade attending school in Zion, Winthrop Harbor, and Beach Park.
Entries must be no longer than 1000 words.
Entries must be double spaced using Times New Roman font.
There will be four categories: 3-5th Grade, 6-8th Grade and 9-12 Grade, and Adult
You will be judged on grammar, creativity, originality, and original use of characters.
Your entry must include the following: full name, grade, school, an email you check often, and a working phone number. You will lose points if one of the above is missing on your entry.
Winners will be announced by November 17th. All prizes must be picked up at the youth or adult desk by December 1st or you forfeit your prize.
The spirit of this contest is to showcase the imagination, original stories, and creative works that come from our community. Use of AI is not prohibited, but should be limited to: generating prompts for writing, general editing, grammar/spelling corrections, etc.
A winner for each prize is not guaranteed. There are prizes available for Grand Prize, 1st Place, and a Runner Up.

Questions about the contest? Reach out to us at 847.872.4680