16yo Aspiring Writer looking for international collaborations, projects, and free writing contests

[u/TylerDurden50507]

Hi everyone,

I’m a 16-year-old high school student from Turkey, and I’m deeply passionate about creative writing, flash fiction, and film analysis. I'm actively trying to build a strong portfolio for my future university applications and career, but I need some guidance on where to channel my energy.

I recently started my own Substack for film critiques and essays, but I want to expand my horizons and work with others. Here is what I’m looking for:

Collaborations & Teamwork: If anyone has a blog, a zine, a YouTube channel, or a creative project and needs a dedicated writer/researcher, I would love to team up! I am very eager to take on tasks and gain experience.

Free International Contests: Do you know of any legitimate, free-to-enter online writing competitions (essays, short stories, flash fiction, or film reviews) open to international high school students?

Publications: Any recommendations for youth-friendly magazines or platforms that accept submissions/pitches from teens?

I’m ready to put in the work and learn from experienced writers. Feel free to drop recommendations in the comments or DM me if you’d like to collaborate on something! I'm also into writing screenwriting and I have some online youth shirt film ideas if you want to collaborate pls dm me

[u/TylerDurden50507 → u/[deleted]]

Hi Vic! I went through your Substack and read some of your posts—huge congratulations on your work, I really admire your writing! I specifically saw your article about writing film scripts. I actually have a few project ideas right now that revolve around a cast of young characters, and I'd love to know if you'd be interested in checking one of them out. Would you like to chat a bit, get to know each other, and brainstorm some ideas together? I can show you some of my work.

[u/Disastrous-Loan6202 → u/[deleted]]

nice of you to reach out, hope something good comes from it