Description
Institute for Writers presents our IFW New Beginnings Poetry Contest.
For this contest, we want to see your blank verse poem of 280 words or less on the topic of new beginnings.
Our judge will be grading entries based on these criteria:
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Follow the “rules” for the contest in terms of word count and type of poem.
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Unity and sense of purpose in the content
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Make every word count. Poets have less room to explore an idea than short story writers and novelists, so aim to avoid unnecessary words while including any words that truly earn their place.
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Originality of expression: Avoid cliches, and let your own voice come through as you express thoughts and feelings,
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Fresh approach to familiar subjects
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Vivid imagery and sensory appeal, including effective use of literary devices (e. g. similes, metaphors, symbolism, alliteration, irony, etc.)
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Be specific: If, for example, you remember a grandmother who died and reminisce about ” making cookies together,” what kinds of cookies? How did they taste? Did you dip your fingers into the sticky, vanilla-scented dough to savor a forbidden mouthful?
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Effective use of rhythm, word sounds, and structure (lines, spaces, and punctuation)
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Show, don’t tell
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Impact on the reader–emotional, thought-provoking
- “You can find poetry in your everyday life, your memory, in what people say on the bus, in the news, or just what’s in your heart.” —Carol Ann Duffy
- “Poetry comes from the highest happiness or the deepest sorrow.” —A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- “Poetry might be defined as the clear expression of mixed feelings.” —W.H. Auden
Your entry should be aimed at an adult audience.
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Entrants are eligible to win up to $650!
Victoria Sherrow has published short stories, articles, poetry, and books for ages preschool through adult. Her books have received starred reviews and been honored by the American Library Association, Parents Choice Gold Award, National Association for the Advancement of Science, and NYPL Best Books for the Teenage, among others.
An avid reader and writer since childhood, she loves helping her writing students use their unique experiences and writing styles to create stories and books.
Victoria teaches Writing for Children and Teens and Writing and Selling Children’s Books for the Institute of Children’s Literature.
*Link to contest submission form will be sent after purchase is completed.
