Two writing contests for Louisiana students

            All you aspiring writers out there, take heart. There are two wonderful contests this fall waiting for your submissions.

The annual Creative Writing Contest, co-sponsored by the Acadiana Writing Project and the Festival of Words, is open to sixth through 12th grade writers in the fields of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. Writings are submitted through teachers and an entry form is required. The deadline is Friday.

First, second, and third place winners will receive certificates and other gifts and winners may read their pieces at a special ceremony honoring the writers at the Festival of Words on Saturday, Nov. 7.

For more information, call or email Ciara Parker at 779-2534 or cparker@acadia.k12.la.us and to learn more and print entry forms, visit FestivalofWords.org.

            Another great opportunity is the 23rd annual Letters About Literature contest, a national reading and writing competition for students sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. To enter, fourth through 12th grade students write a personal letter to a living or dead author of any genre explaining how that author’s book, poem or play changed their views of the world or themselves. Students may enter on their own or through their schools or local libraries in three levels: Level 1 for grades 4–6, Level 2 for grades 7–8 and Level 3 for grades 9–12.

            The national LAL team will select finalists from each state for each competition level and Louisiana winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from throughout the state. Louisiana winners will receive $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place and will be recognized at next year’s Louisiana Book Festival. First place winning letters will be submitted to the Library of Congress for the national competition with the chance of winning up to $1,000.
            Each student’s letter and entry coupon — available online — must be sent to Letters About Literature, c/o Project Manager C. Gourley, 81 Oliver St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705. The postmark deadline for Level 3 is Dec. 4, and Jan. 11 for Levels 1 and 2. The entry forms and information, as well as teacher’s guide, may be downloaded at www.read.gov/letters.