Writing contest open to all

The Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition, Tuscarawas County Writers Guild and One Book, One Community Committee are joining to sponsor a writing contest open to people in the area of any age who love to write.

The fourth annual contest invites entries centered around the theme “who was your greatest influencer?” The theme is in keeping with this year’s One Book, One Community selection, “Views From the Hot Seat” by Dover author Michael Gunther. The book tells stories of local folk who have played an important role in Gunther’s life.

“The Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition is concerned with helping people in the area achieve higher levels of literacy,” said One Book, One Community Chair Rachael Bowers. The latter she described as a branch of the literacy coalition, and the two work closely together to make things like the writing contest happen. “The Writers Guild sponsors the writing contest each year, and we coordinate things with them.”

Winners of the contest get cash prizes: $75 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third. Winners will be chosen by guild members and will be announced at Kent State University at Tuscarawas Nov. 6, when author Gunther will speak about his book “Views From the Hot Seat.” Prizes with be awarded for first second and third place each for student entries and adults.

“The Writers Guild is a peer group which meets at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts monthly,” said Jim Gill, Dover Public Library director. “Writers who just want to get better at their craft get together to help each other. They have guest speakers at times and just help each other with their work. Everyone is equal and no one holds any place of importance more than another. It’s just a great group of people coming together to help one another.” The Writers Guild meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the TCCA in New Philadelphia.

The writing contest is open to anyone in the area, Gill said. “All the schools are aware of the contest and we want to encourage student writers who have a story to tell to get involved. It’s important to encourage and inspire the next generation of writers. We find that the contest really takes off if teachers get behind it.”

Adults of any age who have a story to tell about their personal mentors are also encouraged to sit down and get writing. Entires must be 3,000 words or less. The contest is open through Oct. 6 at noon. Submissions must be typewritten and double spaced. Entrants should submit three copies of their story, with full contact information, age group, story title and word count included on the cover page only. Each story page should be numbered and include the story title. Entrant names should not appear on any of the story pages, only the cover page. Submissions should be mailed to Tuscarawas County Writers Guild, 461 Robinson Dr. SE, New Philadelphia, 44663.

Gill said the inspiration for this year’s contest can be anyone who has made a difference in the writers life. “A teacher, a relative or coach, maybe a coworker, anyone who has served as a mentor or inspiration. Mike is a great example. Anyone can aspire to be a writer. Everyone has a story to tell, and Mike’s book certainly tells a great story.”

More information is available at tuscliteracy.org.