Unleash Your Inner Poet

Calling all poets: The 2013 Statewide Poetry Contest is officially accepting entries. The contest, sponsored by the NC State University Creative Writing program and supported by the Barnhardt Family Fund, is the one of the largest literary competitions in the region.

Unlike many other literary competitions, this contest has no entry fee. It is open to all North Carolina residents, although some restrictions apply. Entries must be postmarked by March 1, 2013.

This year’s guest judge is Michael Wiegers, executive editor of Copper Canyon Press. Wiegers is also the poetry editor for Narrative Magazine and has worked with organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Coffee House Press. His works have been featured in publications including The American Poetry Review and Publishers Weekly. Wiegers’ translations have been published by The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times, among others.

Wiegers will announce the poetry contest winners during a lecture on his experiences as an editor. In addition poet Natalie Diaz, will read. The event is free and open to the public: Caldwell Lounge on the NC State campus; 7:30 p.m., April 3, 2013.

One grand prize winner will receive $500 and four contestants will be given honorable mentions. For undergraduate and graduate students, there will also be additional winners and prizes.

For more information, including competition guidelines, please visit the Creative Writing Program  web page.

By Alyssa Putt, CHASS Communication Intern