Tulsa City-County Library’s annual Young People’s Creative Writing Contest gives young writers the opportunity to make their voices heard. With three age divisions in five different categories, TCCL encourages Tulsa County youths to stretch their imaginations and deepen their relationship with writing by telling their stories in their own words.

   From Feb. 1-29, students ages 10-18 can participate in this free contest by submitting their writing online, by mail or to any TCCL branch. The contest is free to enter for those who live or attend school in Tulsa County, or have a nonresident library card. 

   Within each of the following categories, there are three age divisions: 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18. Participants may enter one manuscript per category but may enter all categories within their corresponding age group. 

  • Short Story – each entry no more than 1,500 words.
  • Informal Essay – a short composition on a topic or issue giving your opinion or recounting a personal experience. Limited to 1,500 words.
  • Poetry – one poem, no more than 300 words.
  • Short Play – no more than six characters, no more than three locations, no more than 10 pages. Limited to five to 10 minutes in length.
  • Comix – Entry must be complete in and of itself, and not a fragment of a larger work. No more than eight pages. Work can be with or without words, in black and white or color, and fiction or nonfiction. Computer-generated images are acceptable as long as they are original works (no clip art). Use 8 ½” by 11” paper and submit as flat work, not as a booklet.

   First-, second- and third-place winners are chosen for each age group in each category. Cash prizes are awarded in the following amounts: $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

   All entrants will receive an invitation to the awards program, which will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 1 at Hardesty Regional Library’s Connor’s Cove, 8316 E. 93rd St. Katherine Applegate, winner of the 2020 Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature, will be the featured speaker and will present the awards.

   In preparation for the Young People’s Creative Writing Contest, TCCL is holding a variety of free writing workshops. Upcoming events include:

  • Writing: How to Get Started - Saturday, Jan. 11, 2-3 p.m., Central Library
  • Short Story workshop - Tuesday, Jan. 14, 5-6 p.m., Owasso Library
  • Informal Essay workshop - Tuesday, Jan. 21, 5-6 p.m., Owasso Library
  • Short Stories workshop - Saturday, Jan. 25, 2-3 p.m., Central Library
  • Poetry workshop - Tuesday, Jan. 28, 5-6 p.m., Owasso Library

   To register for these free writing workshops, visit www.tulsalibrary.org/events. Contest entry forms with rules and regulations are available at all TCCL locations and online at www.tulsalibrary.org/YPCWC. For more information about the Young People’s Creative Writing Contest, call 918-549-7323 or visit www.tulsalibrary.org.

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