2011-2012 Monthly Writing Challenge
Contact: Don Hofmeister (310) 213-6084
MonthlyWritingChallenge.PSWG@gmail.com
The Monthly Writing Challenge is designed to encourage our PSWG Members to write in a style or genre they are not normally accustomed. It is also an exercise to practice working under a deadline, keeping story momentum using only 500 words, writing within submission guidelines , accepting winning accomplishments in a public setting, as well as persistance to submit additional work should a story not be selected as a winner.
Please read the interesting and thought provoking challenges for this coming 2011-2012 PSWG Season.
*Scroll to bottom of page for Submission Rules & Guidelines
The Monthly Writing Challenge for October 2011 is a story in an underwater setting. A writer can use setting (place) to thwart a character or push against his/her goals – that is to create conflict. Setting can challenge a character physically, emotionally and in their imagination. Place can be a character in a story if a place elicits emotion (fear) or strong physical feelings (cold). Place can direct of restrict characters and their movements and affect the story’s outcome. *submit this story at the October 1st meeting.
The Monthly Writing Challenge for November 2011 is obituary of Osama Bin Laden. An obituary is a news story that reports the death of a person, typically along with an account of the person's life. *submit this obituary at the October 29th meeting.
The Monthly Writing Challenge for December 2011 is a story in a golf course setting. A writer can use setting (place) to thwart a character or push against his/her goals – that is to create conflict. Setting can challenge a character physically, emotionally and in their imagination. Place can be a character in a story if a place elicits emotion (fear) or strong physical feelings (cold). Place can direct of restrict characters and their movements and affect the story’s outcome. *submit this story at the December 3rd meeting.
The Monthly Writing Challenge for January 2012 is an opinion piece; should the “N word” be removed for Huckleberry Finn? An opinion piece is an article, published in a newspaper or magazine that mainly reflects the author's opinion about the subject. Opinion pieces are featured in many periodicals. *submit this story at the January 7th meeting.
The Monthly Writing Challenge for February 2012 is a story in an airplane setting – commercial, private, or military aircraft. A writer can use setting (place) to thwart a character or push against his/her goals – that is to create conflict. Setting can challenge a character physically, emotionally and in their imagination. Place can be a character in a story if a place elicits emotion (fear) or strong physical feelings (cold). Place can direct of restrict characters and their movements and affect the story’s outcome. *submit this story at the February 4th meeting.
NEW! The Monthly Writing Challenge for March 2012 is a Poetry Contest. ~1st Prize $100, ~2nd Prize $50~3rd Prize $25! To honor the genre of poetry all members (poets & non-poets) are invited to submit one original unpublished poem of any form (rhymed or free verse), length up to 30 lines, and of any theme. Deadline March 10, 2012. Winning poems will be read aloud and prizes awarded at the April 7th Monthly Meeting.
The Monthly Writing Challenge for April 2012 is a story in a jail cell setting. A writer can use setting (place) to thwart a character or push against his/her goals – that is to create conflict. Setting can challenge a character physically, emotionally and in their imagination. Place can be a character in a story if a place elicits emotion (fear) or strong physical feelings (cold). Place can direct of restrict characters and their movements and affect the story’s outcome. *submit this story at the April 7th meeting.
Submission Rules:
Must be a member of Palm Springs Writers Guild with current status.
Monthly Specific Entries must be submitted by hand at the specific monthly meeting. [Example: Submit October’s entry at the beginning of the October meeting].
* The winning entry is read at the following scheduled monthly meeting. (Example: November's winning entry will have the author announced and the story read aloud at the December Monthly Meeting)
Submission Package:
- One copy of story.
- 500 words or less.
- Typed double space.
- 12 point Arial font, indented paragraphs.
- Place story in an envelope. Do not sign your story.
- Write your name legibly on envelope only (NOT on the entry).
- Enclose $5 cash with submission.
*Be sure to comply to all requirements. As with most professional writing submissions, there is no leeway on the above rules. Your entry will not be returned to you.
