The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame has rallied the efforts of Brick-by-Brick, Chicago Quarterly Review, and StoryStudio Chicago to sponsor a creative writing contest for Chicago public school kids. Three winners will be awarded a share of two thousand dollars, including gift certificates to classes here at StoryStudio.

Chicago Quarterly Review will publish the winning work, an accomplishment for even seasoned adult writers, in its 2013 Chicago-themed issue.  Both fiction and non-fiction will be considered, and entrants are asked to label their work accordingly. Writing that fits within the Chicago theme will take precedence in judging, but that does not mean writing should be limited to the landscape; students are encouraged to write about their lived-experiences as young Chicagoans.

Writers Bayo Ojikutu, Rosellen Brown, and Syed Afzal Haider will select one winner in fiction, non-fiction, and honorable mention. All entrants will receive a certificate of recognition. Apart from introducing students to the thrill of publication, the contest aims to make creative writing a part of the lives of young Chicagoans.

All Chicagoland public school students, from the city proper and the surrounding burbs alike, are eligible to enter. Teachers are invited to assign writing prompts and exercises because, as we at StoryStudio know, the most extraordinary writing often comes as result of outside encouragement.

Guidelines:

1.  For groups of submissions exceeding three entries, supervising teachers should send bundled hard copy submissions to Chicago Literary Hall of Fame founder and executive director Donald G. Evans at 618 S. Humphrey Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304

2.  For entries from three individuals or less, supervising teachers can send hard copies to donaldgevans@hotmail.com.

3.  On each manuscript, include the name of the writer, his/her grade, genre of entry, and name of school.

4.  SASEs must be included to receive certi!cates via the mail, otherwise certi!icates acknowledging participation will be sent electronically to the school.

5.  Maximum story/essay length: 3,000 words

6.  Deadline: Midnight, Dec. 21, 2012

The categories and award distribution are as follows:

1.  Fiction (1st): $750

2.  Non-Fiction (1st): $750

3.  Honorable Mention (Either Category): $500

*For groups of submissions exceeding three entries, supervising teachers should send bundled hard copy submissions to Chicago Literary Hall of Fame founder and executive director Donald G. Evans at 618 S. Humphrey Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304

(Photo Credit to chidorian via Creative Commons)