Teen writing competition kicks off at library

Written by The Darien Times
Saturday, 22 January 2011 07:48

The Darien Library is launching its second annual Teen Writing Competition as a way of encouraging and inspiring Darien’s young writers. Starting immediately, the library will be accepting submissions in the categories of fiction, non-fiction and poetry from students in grades seventh through 12th grades.

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The library hopes to foster creative writing by supporting and rewarding a new generation of writers.

Entries will be divided into two grade categories: seventh to ninth grades and 10th to 12th grades; and in three format categories: fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

The judges will select one first place winner in each age group and each category, with a prize of $100 each. We will also select second place winners, with a prize of $25 each, and honorable mentions. All of the entries will be collected in a printed volume that will be available free to the public.

This year, three talented local authors have volunteered to be judges. Melissa Crandall, author of numerous short stories and science fiction and fantasy novels, will judge in the category of fiction. In non-fiction, Madge McKeithen, author of “Blue Peninsula,” will judge. Dulcy Brainard, who is best known locally for her work with Shakespeare on the Sound, will judge the poetry category.

The contest closes on Friday, Feb. 28, and an awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 2. At the awards ceremony, the judges will announce the winners and present the prizes. All the contest entrants and their families and friends are invited to the awards ceremony.

The contest rules are as follows: fiction and non-fiction entries must be 1,500 words or fewer; poetry entries must be 30 lines or fewer; entries must be typed, double-spaced (except for poetry which can be single-spaced) and use a simple 12-point font; all submissions are final. Corrections and replacements cannot be accepted; the author’s name must not appear on the entry itself, only on the cover sheet. Cover sheets can be found at the library, or at DarienLibrary.org/teen-writing-competition.

More info: 203-655-1234.