2010 MCWG Annual Writing Contest

Poetry: Rhyming or Free Verse

Write a poem on any topic that fits one of the two categories above.
A 1st & 2nd place winner and an honorable mention will be named in each category (4 winners and 2 honorable mentions.)
Prizes: 1st Place - $75
2nd Place - $50
All entrants must be members of the Minnesota Christian Writers Guild. Poems must be

• Typed - Font must be 12 point - Times New Roman.
• Previously unpublished
• Minimum of 12 lines
• Maximum of 24 lines
• Must be double spaced
• Must fit in one column on one page that has top & sides margins of 1” (If your poem is the full 24 lines, you will need a smaller bottom margin.)
• Must have a Title

Add a cover sheet with the following:

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• E-mail

Do NOT include this information on the manuscript itself. (This retains confidentiality during the judging process.)
Some of the points we’ve covered about poetry this year that contribute to a strong poem: Poetry…

• Strives for originality
• Pays attention to word economy and intensity
• Pays attention to meter
• Uses strong descriptive verbs
• Comes to life with sound and/or color
• Makes use of metaphor/simile
• Uses the right words in the right order
• In addition to “topic,” poetry has a “theme” (Topic is what your poem is about—theme is what your poem is really about (simple example:  poem about a butterfly (Topic is butterfly – Theme might be resurrection or new life.)

Before submitting your entry read your poem out loud. Is it smooth? Did you stumble over any words? Ask someone else to read it out loud. Did they stumble?

Deadline - Monday, April 12, 2010 at 9:05 pm (after the April Guild meeting)
        Submit your entry in person or by mail to:
                Beverly Snyder – Vice President of MCWG
                        PO Box 1614 – Maple Grove, MN 55311
Only those poems accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope will be returned.
The decision of the judge is final.
The judge shall remain anonymous.
Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the May 10, 2010 meeting.
Most of all—enjoy the process and have fun!