Tag Archives: poetry contest

What Did You Start Writing?

hands on computer keyboardWhen you first started writing, what form did you use–short stories, poetry, memoir, or a novel?

In middle school, I chose short stories and I still like to write them. Next I wrote a few novels, and then poetry. In the afternoon writing class I teach, we are writing a Haiku twice a month based on a photo members take turns bringing to class.

My preferences for short stories and poetry affect my novel writing. The shorter forms make it necessary to be aware of exactly the right words to use and to eliminate too much detail. I’ve discovered that when building character in a novel, choosing the right words is more complicated. One has to think about interspersing physical description, feelings, thoughts, and how to show a deeper, rather than a superficial character.

In my novel, Norman in the Painting, I think I’ve created minor characters that have more personality than the protagonist. I’ve written a post-a-note to remind myself to deepen Jill. She’s the center of the action, readers learn about her values by her dialogue and by the decisions she makes. However I sense she’s hiding something or resisting a close relationship with the reader. I’ll have to figure out why.

What is your favorite form to write?

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Winners in the Poetry Contest About Choices

Poetry contest winners with quillThe winners of my poetry contest about choices have been announced by my poet friends who agreed to be judges. Poems by the three award winners and the honorable mention poets will be published in my next anthology with the theme choices. The anthology will be published in late summer of  2015.

Hear the drum roll for:

First place: Regina Puckett “Their Pool of Pandemonium”
Second place: Tanda L. Clauson “If You Want to Exist Do Not Choose Left”
Third place: Kate Ann Scholz “About Choices”
Honorable Mention: Mona Dawson “By My Choice”
Honorable Mention: Elaine Webster “Whispers of the Lake”

I have put all the entries in the Contest Archived Page but I need to improve the formatting. Until I do, the poems continue to be on the Contest Page.

I will post a new contest in a couple of weeks. Congratulations to the winners.

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Poetry Contest Due Date June 30

Poetry Contest Due Date June 30

The Choice Poetry Contest will end June 30th. Please click the Poetry Contest page in the above menu to enter and for the requirements. Top three winners will be published in my new anthology with the theme of choices.

Looking forward to more poems.

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June 28, 2014 · 10:57 am

Poetry Contest Entries Due Date Extended

I’ve extended the date for entries to the Poetry Contest about Choices. See the Menu Bar above for requirements and post your poem in the reply after the last entry.  The new date is June 1st.

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New Poetry Contest Page Look at the Menu Above

Check the menu above for the new poetry contest page. The poem should include a theme about CHOICES,  maximum 20 lines, due April 30th. Winners will be published in my new CHOICES anthology  due to be published by the end of 2014. Press reply on the contest page (not here) to enter your poem. Notice, your entry might not post until I approve of it. I don’t check my blog until the evening hours, so there may be a delay.

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