APRIL 9, 2009 ISSUE
Got Writing on the Brain?
Watauga County Library Hosts 2nd Annual Youth Writing Contest
April is National Poetry Month and new writing is fresh in the mind like spring is fresh in the air. For those of you youthful writers out there who can’t ignore that distracting little itch urging you to put pen to paper, the Watauga County Library Youth Services department is hosting its 2nd Annual Young Writer’s Writing Contest.
The contest is open to all students up to 12th grade, and both poetry and prose submissions will be accepted. All submitted work should have a name, age, and contact information—email or phone—printed on the first page. Entries can be brought by hand to the Youth Services desk in the Library or emailed to ogray@arlibrary.org. All submissions are due by Wednesday, April 22.
Last year, the Young Writers Writing Contest was only open for grades 7 to 12 and poetry was the only form of writing being accepted. The level of possible submissions was really hurt, mostly because of the staff’s decision to only accept poetry. Many students decided not to compete because they didn’t consider themselves poets.
This year the Youth Services Staff at the library decided it would be best if the competition were open for both poetry and prose, allowing students who enjoyed either form of writing a chance to compete. And the age category has also been expanded to allow any age student all the way through high school to submit work. Not to worry, though, submissions will only be judged against their respective age categories. So don’t sweat parents, your fifth graders poetry will not be going up against that of Watauga High’s seniors.
As an added touch this year, work submitted to the writing contest will also be considered for the Watauga County Library’s new literary magazine coming out in early to mid Fall of 2009. The literary magazine is an effort by the library to feature the creative endeavors of all members of the High Country community. Submissions to the writing contest this spring will be considered for the youth section in the magazine.
For more information, call the Youth Services desk at 828-264-8784 or email ogray@arlibrary.org.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
