Kick the Year Off in the Write Way

By: Georgia Mergler, Community Relations Manager

 

With the New Year come new ambitions. Perhaps you are committed to eating healthier, working out more regularly or just trying your hand at something new. Regardless of your new ambition, Washington-Centerville Public Library is a great place to glean inspiration and information. Take the Erma Bombeck Writing Contest for example. This contest, started 15 years ago, encourages budding writers to try their hand at writing. If Erma, a suburban housewife in the 50’s, could catapult to bestselling author acclaim, why not you?!

Intrigued? If so, I encourage you to submit your previously unpublished personal humor or human interest essay of 450 words or less online at www.wclibrary.info by February 14th. Each entry costs $15, and will be judged in two rounds by seasoned humor writers from all over the country on the following criteria:

• Does it have the voice of Erma? Erma knew how to portray the humor in the mundaneness of everyday life.
• Is it organized? Does it stay on topic and have well-developed ideas?
• Does it have a compelling lead? The piece should "Hook 'em with the lead. Hold 'em with laughter. Exit with a quip they won't forget."
• Is it funny? (for humor entries only)
• Is it true and does it evoke emotion? (for human interest entries only

Four winners will be selected and awarded $500 as well as a free registration to the University of Dayton’s Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop held April 19 - April 21, 2012 (a $375 value). Past contest winners have told us this experience was just what they needed to boost their confidence enough to continue writing. Who knows, we may be inspiring tomorrow’s bestselling authors!

For more information on Washington-Centerville Public Library visit www.wclibrary.info .