Prize Ideas, Anyone?

Posted bySusan K. MarlowPosted inContests and Giveaways

You fans outdid yourselves with prompt ideas. I have nine (9) prompts ready to go. I SO want to share them with you, but I’ll hold back and wait until the contest launches (September 13). If I launch too early, it will still be summer. 😊 I know I mentioned we would vote on these, but the comments overwhelmingly went with some kind of a prompt, so that’s what we’re doing.

I also listened to those (few) who wanted to expand to another character. If you think it will grab a judge’s attention (they actually do go with the story itself, so they are not biased in favor of “Andi” stories only), there are a few prompts that have [or other character] built into the prompt. Also, it will be a judges’ contest (again, that’s what the comments seem to prefer). So, I decided to not have a voting since I liked the prompt ideas that came in, so why waste all our time when I am already excited about the format?

Anyway, just thought I’d give you a head’s up. While the image and announcement are up on the Writing Contests page >> if you click on the “Current Contest,” you will go to an “oops” page. This is intentional. I want to get the contest page ready ahead of time. Otherwise, I’m rushing at the last minute. So, be patient, and understand that this screen is not an error. The contest will go live on September 13, and I will secure two judges–one for ages 9-12, and one for the ages 13-17. Now, keep reading . . .

Prize Ideas?

So, when you share prize ideas (in the comments), please keep in mind that this is NOT the expensive, annual contest with unique prizes (one year I gave away T-shirts to first and second place, but the shirts rose in price so I abandoned that idea. But it was pretty cool.) Anyway, there will be a winner and a runner up from each age group. The “winner” will receive the prize, while the “runner up” will receive the recognition (but no physical prize).

This means there will be two prizes: one prize for the younger group and one prize for the older category. They can be the same prize, or they can be different. You can go to my Circle C store >> and figure it out. Try to keep your ideas under $20.

I also have a pair of green horse socks that are not for sale but they are an awesome prize (I only have one pair. They came in a subscription “horse” box my daughter gets every month or two, and she said, “No way am I wearing green socks.” But a lucky prize winner might want them! Plus another package of the cowgirl candy (from the same subscription box. Kristel sends me all of the goodies she doesn’t want). I also have horse suckers that I want to use before they get too old. 🤣 A few more of those “book” keychains with different book covers. Hmmm, what else do I have that is not in my store? Oh, I have packs of Circle C playing cards that I never put up in my store. (But I never know who plays cards and who doesn’t.)

Anyway, go to the Circle C store for more ideas >> The “Fun Stuff” is a good category to browse, unless you want the prizes to be books. Post your ideas in the comments. I’m not in a hurry, since the contest doesn’t launch for another couple of months, but I like getting things ready ahead of time. Thanks a bunch! P.S. If anyone has a creative idea about a ‘gift box’ or something like that, I’m all ears! Share what you think would be in a contest winner’s ‘gift box.’ I will even consider “gift certificates” to be spent in my store.

Published by Susan K. Marlow

I'm the author of the Circle C and Goldtown Adventures series. I blog as "Andi Carter," the main character in the Circle C series. She lives on a huge cattle ranch in 1880s California. These are her adventures.

25 thoughts on “Prize Ideas, Anyone?”

  1. I’m so excited for this!
    You should defiantly do the playing cards! Here are a few ideas:

    Hat, cards & tumbler
    $20 gift certificate
    Fun pack of choice & book of choice
    Tote bag, miny horses & journal of choice

    Each line goes together. 🙂
    Thanks!
    Can’t wait for the contest to start! 😀
    ~Micaiah!

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  2. You could do the Paper dolls for ages 9-12, or for either age category you could do the Cards, Tote bag, Fun packs, or the Journal and pen, or just the journal, you could also do a pen and keychain! 🙂

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  4. I think a good prize would be a… journal, pen and hat.
    I think a good prize would be a… journal, pen, and a hat! 🙂

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  11. I think a gift card to the Circle C store is a good idea cause the winners can chose their prize. Or it could be a gift card to anywhere. Those are my ideas. 😀

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    1. It seems if it is a Circle C contest, ,the prizes should stick with the subject. It seems silly to give someone a gift card to say . . . an ice cream store that has nothing to do with Circle C. Just sayin!

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  13. Do you think at some point you might put the Circle C playing cards up for sale in your shop? I know I would buy them!

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  14. I don’t really have any prize ideas bc I think everything in your store looks cool, 🙂 but maybe if you want to do the playing cards, whoever wins you could give them the choice between that or something else. (for those who don’t play cards) And then whatever you decide for the other prize. Just an idea….
    I can’t wait for the contest to start! Hopefully I’ll have time to enter…. 🙂

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  18. For the older age group you could do:
    ~Travel tumbler
    ~Journal + pen
    ~$20 gift card to the circle c store
    For the younger age group maybe:
    ~Circle C coloring and activity book
    ~Paper dolls
    ~Bookmarks or Keychains

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