The creative writing program has hosted its annual regional writing contest for over 15 years. The contest is part of the Southern Literary Festival.
Five categories exist for any undergraduate or enrolled staff member who wishes to compete. Categories exist in fiction (short story), poetry, formal and informal essays and one act plays, said Richard Lyons, director of the creative writing program.
Works cannot have been published elsewhere. Essays, stories and plays may not exceed 5,000 words. Poetry may not exceed 100 lines for either one work or group of related works.
“Any student wishing to enter the contest must submit two copies of any entry because a copy will have to be sent to the Southern Literary Festival if it is selected as a winner,” said Becky Hagenston, assistant professor of English.
Graduate students will judge the contest. Only the winners will be notified, Lyons said.
“The winning selection will then represent Mississippi State University at the regional competition in the Southern Literary Festival. The festival will be held at the University of Alabama-Birmingham,” Lyons said.
All undergraduate students and enrolled staff are encouraged to enter if they enjoy writing, Hagenston said.
“Students wishing to enter do not have to be English majors. We have had an accounting major and a physics major win,” said Lyons.
Entering and winning a competition such as this is good to add to a rsum, Hagenston said.
“Good writers write with authority. The word ‘author’ comes from ‘authority.’ Competing in a competition can give an author or poet a sense of confidence, accomplishment and authority. I encourage all my students to enter the contest because sometimes all one person needs is just the tiniest taste of success,” assistant professor of English Brad Vice said.
The deadline for all entries is Dec. 5. Turn in material to Lyons in Lee Hall, Room 308B.