Short Story and Poetry Contests

AmeriCymru.ning.com, a Welsh heritage social network, is hosting an online "eisteddfod," a Welsh performing arts festival and talent competition, which have been held in Wales, and apparently around the world, since the 1100's. As part of their online eisteddfod, they are hosting Short Story and Poetry competitions.


Poetry Competition

This contest offers a $100.00 prize but, after looking at it, the real prize is that one of the judges is Peter Thabit Jones. The rules and submission guidelines are given in full on that page, here is an excerpt:

"You may submit your entry in either Welsh or English. The two language categories will be judged separately and there will be a prize for each. Accompanying graphics are not permitted. There is a US100 dollars (approximately 50GBP ) prize for the winners in both categories. The final submission date is July 31st 2009 and the winners will be announced at the Eisteddfod ( August 2009 ). The judges have yet to be selected and a further announcement will be made soon. The judges decisions will, of course, be final. The winners will also be entitled to free admission to some Eisteddfod events. Runners-up prizes will be announced later.

"All poetic styles and conventions are welcome ( limericks, however, will not be considered for a prize ) There is no upper or lower word limit. Entries need not reference Wales in any way , shape or form. You may submit up to three entries and work which has appeared elsewhere is acceptable provided you have not surrendered your copyright."


Short Story Competition

Rules for submission for the short story competition are given on this page and the prize for this category is also $100.00USD. One of the judges for this competition is Lloyd Jones, whose short story collection, My First Coloring Book, was reviewed earlier on this blog.

More from that page:

"The short story competition which starts today is basically a "write in response " exercise. Below you will see a series of photographs. Most of these shots were taken in Wales but they are not particularly iconic and your response need not make reference to Wales in any way, shape or form. You may submit your entry in either Welsh or English. The two language categories will be judged separately and there will be a prize for each. Basically you will need to write a short story between 1000 and 3000 words in length on any ONE of these photographs and submit it in accordance with the rules for site members or non-site members outlined below. Accompanying graphics are not permitted. There is a US100 dollars (approximately 50GBP ) prize for the winners in both categories. The final submission date is July 31st 2009 and the winners will be announced at the Eisteddfod ( August 2009 )."