Young Writers Contest

The Deseret News announced its John Hughes Young Writers Contest, which is an essay contest to showcase the talent of Utah's young writers. Your next assignment is to submit an entry (while posting your entry on your blog). Dude, you can win a thousand bucks.

Click here for the handout.
Click here for the contest timeline.

• Open to juniors and seniors in Utah
• 1,000-word limit, non-fiction essay based on personal experience, observation, or opinion
• Send in an e-mail to youngwriters@desnews.com (no attachments) by 5pm Friday, Nov. 20
• Include your name, address, telephone number, and high school
  

Post your first draft by Sunday, November 8 @ midnight
Post your final draft by Friday, November 20 @ 5pm

Poem 3: Love Poem

You've written a poem about memories and you've told your life story through a poem. Now I want you to write a poem about love. (Does a better topic exist?) This doesn't mean I want a cliche poem with red roses and blue violets... A poem about love could be anything: something you love (football, coins, skateboarding), someone you love (mom, sister, girlfriend), someone you want to love (dad, brother, that boy/girl in your A3 class), or something/someone you used to love.
A love poem doesn't have to be happy or sad or hopeful or cynical. It can be whatever you want it to be. We've looked at a lot of poems. Even if you don't think you can write poetry yet, you're figuring out what you like in a poem and what doesn't work in a poem. Try to use that.

Due Sunday, 11/1 @ midnight

+2 comments by Friday, 11/6

Poem 2: Life Story

Write a poem telling your life story. Good luck.

Use this format if you want.

Know the difference between poetry and prose. The poem tells your life story, but it's different than telling your life story...you understand?!?!? Also, I understand some of you have still kept your identity hidden from other students in the class. This assignment could reveal who you are...or, it could teach you a lesson in poetry: sometimes you don't have to come right out and say everything.

Remember: poets are writers who strive to say things in fewer, more powerful, more carefully chosen words.

Due Sunday, 10/25 @ midnight

+2 comments by Friday, 10/30

Poem 1: I Remember

Finally, we're going to write some poetry. Your first poetry assignment is inspired by writing prompt #16, I Remember. Joe Brainard created a book full of memories he begins with I remember. Use this format to write your poem.

Due Sunday, 10/18 @ midnight

Journal Entry

Your next writing assignment may seem like an easy one: publish one of your journal entries. It would be easy if you didn't have to revise it. But would it be good?

Choose one of your journal entries (Prompts #1-15), and revise it. Publish the polished version (with title and prompt #).

Due Sunday, 10/11 @ midnight