2014 Statewide Poetry Contest Underway

Calling all poets: The 2014 Statewide Poetry Contest is officially accepting entries. The contest, sponsored by the NC State University Creative Writing program and supported by the Barnhardt Family Fund, is the one of the largest literary competitions in the region.

Let the pen wander freely across the page and don’t worry about an entry fee. It is open to all North Carolina residents, although some restrictions apply. Entries must be postmarked by March 3, 2014.

This year’s guest judge is Li-Young Lee, acclaimed and award-winning poet. Lee’s best known works include Rose (1986), The City in Which I Love You (1991), Book of My Nights (2001) and, his most recent, Behind My Eyes (W.W. Norton, 2008).

The contest winners will be announced prior to Lee’s poetry reading. The event is free and open to the public: Caldwell Lounge on the NC State campus; 7:30 p.m., April 10, 2014.

One grand prize winner will receive $500 and four contestants will be given honorable mentions. For undergraduate and graduate students, there will also be additional winners and prizes.

For more information, including competition guidelines, please visit the Creative Writing Program  web page.

By Caroline Blunck, CHASS Communication Intern