Writers of short stories and poetry are encouraged to submit their works to the 18th annual Power of the Pen Awards. Entrants must be between the ages of 12 and 18 on July 31, 2012 and be a resident of Southern Ontario. A distinguished panel of professional writers and reviewers will judge the entries on the basis of originality, style, general presentation as well as spelling and grammar.

Prizes:

A first and second prize winner will be chosen in each age category – 12 through 18 years of age.  Award winning entries will be published on the Hamilton Public Library’s website and may be printed in The Hamilton Spectator.  First prize winners in each age category will receive a cash prize of $100 while second prize winners in each age category will receive $25.

Each entry will also qualify for the Hamilton Association for the Advancement of Literature, Science and Art’s prestigious Maitland Banting Silver Quill Award and the Hamilton Association Young Poet’s Award.  The winner in each category will receive a cash prize of $200.

Each entrant will receive one (1) ballot for the iPad Power of the Pen draw.

Contest Rules:

• One poem and or short story per person may be submitted.
• Short stories should not exceed 2,500 words in length.  Poems may be any length.
• Entries should be typed or neatly printed, double-spaced and all pages numbered.  Paper copies are required for mailed and hand-delivered submissions.
• Typed entries must double-spaced, with font Arial or Times New Roman and size 11 or 12 point.
• Do not put your name anywhere on your work.
• All works submitted must be original.
• The decision of the judges is final.
• All first prize winners, or their designate, must be present to receive their award and read from their work at the awards ceremony in November.
• Judged submissions will be available for pick-up the evening of the awards ceremony or during the month of December at the Central Library.
• All entries will be scanned to ensure originality. Plagiarism will result in automatic disqualification.

How to Enter:

Attach a completed entry form to your submission.  Submit your original short story and or poem to any branch of the Hamilton Public Library by August 31, 2012 or mail to:

Power of the Pen Creative Writing Contest

Hamilton Public Library. CCD – 5^th Floor

55 York Boulevard, PO Box 2700

Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4

Winners will be notified in December and will be asked to provide an electronic copy of their winning submission for publication and posting.  For more information, please call 905-546-3200 x7861.