2012 Statewide Poetry Contest Underway

Think you’re a promising poet? Enter the 2012 Statewide Poetry Contest, sponsored by NC State’s Creative Writing Program through the Barnhardt Family Fund.

This annual poetry contest, open to all NC residents (some exceptions apply), is one of the largest free literary competitions in the South. Unlike many other competitions, this one requires no submission fee.

The grand prize winner will receive $500. Honorable mentions and finalists will also be chosen. Additionally, special prizes will be rewarded to undergraduate and graduate student winners.

Barbara Ras, poet and editorial director of Trinity University Press, will serve as this year’s guest judge. Ras’ first collection of poetry, Bite Every Sorrow, won the 1997 Walt Whitman Award and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. Her other works include One Hidden Stuff (2006) and The Last Skin (2010). She will announce the contest winners during her reading on April 11, 2012, at 7:30 pm in Caldwell Lounge.

With 400 entrants last year, the competition promises to be tough. So head to your desk and let the poetic inspiration flow. Don’t wait! The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2012.

For more info, including competition guidelines and rules, please visit the Creative Writing Program site.

By Lauren Williams, Communication intern.