Trenton Lee Stewart is the author of the award-winning and New York Times bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series and The Secret Keepers. The Mysterious Benedict Society has drawn comparisons to J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl, been named a Time magazine “Best Young Adult Book of all Time,” and sold over three million copies. Trenton lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I really liked hearing the speakers talk about their writing experiences. I have been in a bit of a funk with writing recently and a lot of the tips that were mentioned have helped me! As well as inspired me!
I loved the different speakers! I especially appreciated how each one had different genres they specialized in.
We are currently limiting Lit Fest 2027 to 200 students. Once those spots are filled
we are unable to add more to ensure registered students are guaranteed t-shirts, lunches,
etc.
Each registered student will recieve a T-shirt, one meal ticket for lunch at ATU's Chamber's Cafeteria, and a packet of information pertaining to the speakers and the event.
Registeration Deadline: February 1st, 2027.
Students are encouraged to enter a fictional short story based in Arkansas past, present, or future.
First Prize wins $500, Runner Up awarded $250 to be awarded at the event in March.
Submissions should be no more than 10 pages (approx. 2000 words), double-spaced, and 12-point Times New Romans. The submissions should be sent as .pdf or Word doc attachments to engl@atu.edu. We will not accept Google doc submissions. Students should include their name, school, mailing address, and email address at the top of the first page, and put "LIT FEST WRITING CONTEST" in the subject line.
Submissions are judged anonymously by a panel of creative writing majors and then the top 5 are passed to Eli Cranor to choose the winners. Each submission will be considered for publication in ATU's literary magazine Nebo. Publication is not guaranteed.
Students must be in attendance to win the contest.
Submission Deadline: February 12, 2027.
Thanks to our Sponsors, Fat Daddy's BBQ and Mullen Team Sports!
Find a map of where Witherspoon Hall is and where to park here.
