Powerful Narratives: Suicide Attempt Experience Writing Competition

Launched in 2015 through a collaboration between the American Association of Suicidology (AAS) and Dr. Paul Quinnett, Ph.D., Executive Chairman and Brian Quinnett, M.S., CEO of the QPR Institute, the Paul G. Quinnett Lived Experience Writing Competition invites you to explore personal stories of survival, hope, and recovery from suicidal ideation and attempts. This annual competition shines a light on the powerful narratives of suicide attempt survivors, offering unique insights into their experiences. Each story captures the profound impact of their journey, shared in a way that resonates with and enlightens the wider community. 

Description for Submissions

Submit a personal essay detailing your experience with suicidal ideation and/or attempt(s). Your writing should describe the impact on your life and present your story in a way that is accessible and understandable to the wider community. Please note that poetry, creative fiction, and biography are not accepted. 

The Paul G. Quinnett Writing Competition is committed to centering marginalized voices. We welcome submissions from those harmed by the mental health system or psychiatric industrial complex, people with disabilities, and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ communities. We prioritize intersectional perspectives to ensure diverse voices have a platform where their creative contributions and ideas are honored. 

Funding Supports

The top three winning authors are awarded a cash prize and a plaque, along with recognition on social media, a press release, and the American Association of Suicidology’s website.

Funding supports 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winnings and awards, honoring their achievements and covering administrative costs. 

• First Place: $1,500
• Second Place: $1,000
• Third Place: $500

Deadline: November 7, 2024, by 11:59 pm EST

Guidelines

• Word limit: 2,500
• Font: Open Sans or Times New Roman
• Font Size: 12pt
• Spacing: Double-spaced
• Margins: Normal (1″)

Messaging About Suicide

Entries must follow the guidelines below:

• Using “died by/of suicide” instead of “committed”
• Avoiding usage of “unsuccessful” or “failed” attempt
• Avoiding describing attempt(s) in graphic details

Waiver

Writers must waive copyright restrictions and must allow AAS and others to reprint or reproduce the writing.

Confidentiality within the Writing

Names of any individuals or organizations will be redacted for the judges. We encourage you to consider having conversations with individuals who will be named since the story will be publicly accessible.

Previous Submissions and Participants

Past participants may submit previously submitted works. Previous winning authors are not eligible to submit new or previously submitted work.

Ratings by Judges

Our volunteer judges are professional writers, writing instructors, and/or members of the suicidology community. Each entry will be reviewed by at least two judges, who are randomly assigned. All entries will be evaluated on a double-blind basis. Neither entrant nor judge will know which individuals have participated in the competition. Due to time constraints, writers are not provided feedback.

Judges will rate submissions on a scale from 1-5. No decimal numbers are allowed. This is an award of points for quality, the better the submission, the higher the rating. The combined score of those judges will be the submission’s total score.

Rated Categories

• Increases public awareness about understanding of the experiences of suicidal people
• Challenges the field to think about suicide survivorship in new ways
• Good writing – compelling, engaging, understandable to a wide range of audiences

Questions? Email communications@suicidology.org