FACTS ABOUT THE AUBURN ARTS COMMISSION’S

SNOWBOUND WRITERS’  CONTEST

Purpose:  The Auburn Arts Commission’s Snowbound Writers’ Contest is designed to give writers who either live or work in DeKalb County, Indiana an opportunity to be recognized for their creative efforts.  A reception, prizes, and publication of winning entries are features of the contest.  Anyone who resides or is employed in DeKalb County and who is 18 years of age or over is eligible to participate.

Guidelines change from year to year. The 2010 guidelines are included here and writers may check The Star, local newspaper the week after Christmas for topics and rules. Generally writers have the month of January to submit their works, and judges are given a month to make selections. Winners are recognized in the spring or early summer.

Categories:  Both a Poetry and a Fiction category give writers many opportunities for creative expression, and sometimes a Non-fiction essay category is designated.

Judges are from outside DeKalb County and are either professional writers, teachers, or involved in the written media and/or the arts. Judges receive payment for their work.

History:  The contest was started in 1994, and for several years the area newspaper and the local bookstore were co-sponsors. A spring reception is held to honor winners. In the past winners had their works published in the newspaper in a special supplement. Now, because of printing costs winners are showcased on the Auburn Arts Commission’s website:
www.auburnartscommission.org

Rules for the 2010 Snowbound Writers’ contest:

NOTE TOPIC for the 2010 ESSAY:

Because several DeKalb County libraries are celebrating important events during 2010, the Auburn Arts Commission is adding a non-fiction essay category. The essay must be between 500-700 words and be on one of the following topics.

a. The library: a reflection of a community.
b. The library: a life-changing experience.

1. Qualifications: Anyone who resides or is employed in DeKalb County, Indiana and who is 18 years or over is eligible.

2. Deadline: Entries will be accepted at M J’s Bookmark from January 1, 2010 until *February 15^th, at 5:€�30 p.m.  They may be hand delivered or mailed to:

SNOWBOUND WRITERS’ CONTEST
c/o M J’s Bookmark
414 S. Main St.
Auburn, IN 46706.

3.  Rules:  Submit 2 copies of each entry along with form (printed below) or a cover sheet listing the titles and classifications (i.e. poetry, fiction, etc.), author’s name, address, telephone  number, and email address if available.  Material should be double-spaced (or 1 1/5 spaced) and typewritten or computer-generated on white paper.  The name of the author must NOT appear on the entry.  Manuscripts will NOT be returned.  For publication purposes, winners should be able to provide their works on CD.

4.  Limits:  Short stories must not exceed 2,000 words. Poems are limited to 20 lines or fewer. Essays should be between 500-700 words. *Entrants may enter three poems or less, one short story, and/or one essay.

5. Topic for the 2010 essay contest. 500-700 words and be on one of the following topics.

a. The library: a reflection of a community.
b. The library: a life-changing experience.

Prizes:

Short Stories: 

1^st place:  A. A. Commission award of $60.00;
2^nd place: Friends of DeKalb County Libraries award of $40.00
3^rd place: M J’s Bookmark award (money or $20.00 gift certificate)

Poetry: 

1^st place:  A. A. Commission award of $60.00;
2^nd place: Friends of DeKalb County Libraries award of $40.00
3^rd place: M J’s Bookmark award (money or $20.00 gift certificate)

Essay (on given topic)

1^st place:  A. A. Commission award of $60.00;
2^nd place: Friends of DeKalb County Libraries award of $40.00
3^rd place: M J’s Bookmark award (money or $20.00 gift certificate)

 *Rule changes.

© copyright 2010 -  Auburn Arts Commission