Annual Writing Contest Helps Kids Win

Bellmawr, NJ (PRWEB) January 6, 2008 -- Thanks to writer Dave Hart, 32 children in Milwaukee, Wisconsin now have softball gloves so that they can join their district's softball team. Writer Rick Deal is helping a small school in Greenwood, Indiana buy a camcorder for its music class. And writer Tim Kane is helping a school in Chicago, Illinois get new books.

Writing contests have long been popular with aspiring writers because of the promise of both money and prestige. But last year's winners of the annual Bards and Sages Writing competition have shown that writing contests can, and should, also benefit the community.

"Each year, we select a new charity to benefit from the competition," explains publisher Julie Ann Dawson. "For last year's contest, we worked with DonorsChoose.org. Winners were awarded cash prizes and matching gifts to DonorsChoose.org to use toward programs of their choice."

Now in its 5th year, the Bards and Sages Writing Competition welcomes writers from around the world to try their hands at writing award-winning speculative fiction. This year's competition benefits the Children's Literacy Initiative, a Philadelphia, PA based non-profit that works with teachers to help develop literacy programs. 100% of the reading fees for this year's contest will benefit the CLI.

Co-sponsored by Creative Mountain Games, Dog Soul Publishing, Gryphonwood Press, and Ikthalion Press, this year's contest has almost $600 and prizes, as well as a free gift for each entrant. But more importantly, the contest provides aspiring writers with the opportunity to help future generations develop a love of reading.

For more information, please visit http://www.bardsandsages.com/2008contest

For more information regarding CLI, visit http://www.cliontheweb.org

For more information regarding co-sponsors, please visit their respective websites:

Creative Mountain Games: http://creativemountaingames.com/index.php

Dog Soul Publishing: http://www.dogsoul.blogspot.com

Gryphonwood Press: http://www.gryphonwoodpress.com

Ikthalion Press: http://www.ikthalionpress.com

###

Related Articles:

2nd Annual Novel Writing Contest Announced by Iota Publishing
Iota Publishing, a regional publishing house based in Irvine, California, introduced its 2008 novel writing competition today. Iota seeks published and unpublished authors who have completed manuscripts in the thriller, mystery, suspense, or sci-fi genres. The winner will receive a $1000 prize and a publishing contract with Iota. Submissions are via the Iota website (www.IotaPublishing.com/IotaWritingContestLink.asp ). The competition is open through April 30, 2008.

Former New Jersey School Teacher Publishes Book of Poetry and Reclaims her Health
Mrs. Edwina Reizer a former New Jersey school teacher has authored and published a unique book of poetry titled, "Reflections on Living." The book was published on October 23, 2007 by Lulu.com, the online marketplace for digital content.

3 Ways to Find Your Niche as a Freelance Writer
To make a six-figure income as a freelance writer, to need to be an expert. You need your name to jump to people's lips when a particular job or challenge comes up.

Collection of Poetry Delves Into Struggles with Mental Illness, Provides Hope
Author Rose Weiss hopes to bring understanding, hope, and comfort with her new book of poetry, "Journey Through The Wilds."

Stars Come Out for Poetry Benefit -- Meryl Streep, Katie Couric, Graydon Carter, Others Read Favorite Poems
A host of celebrities and public figures will read their favorite poems by some of America's best-loved poets on April 1. The 6th annual Poetry & The Creative Mind will feature Candace Bushnell, Robert Caro, Graydon Carter, Katie Couric, Philippe de Montebello, Jonathan Demme, John Guare, Dianne Reeves, Liz Smith, and Meryl Streep.

Outskirts Press Announces Blue Moon, the Latest Highly-anticipated Poetry/ General Book from Readhead NSW, 00 Author Alex Jankowski
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published Blue moon by Alex Jankowski, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Poetry/ General category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $9.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/bluemoon was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.

Gilleland Poetry – Storoems and Poems - Review
"Retired professor of Microbiology, Harry Gilleland certainly has a variety of experiences and thought-provoking insights to share in his latest poetry book, Gilleland Poetry – Storoems and Poems. Harry's poetry has appeared at numerous establishments over the years and he has authored three books to date.

Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man, a New Poetry Book From Poet Harry Gilleland
Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man is the third published collection of poetry written by poet Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. This new collection of 81 storoems and poems offers hours of stimulating reading. Featured are both rhyming poems and storoems (a story-poem format pioneered by Gilleland) and free-verse poems. This book will entertain while provoking thought on a wide variety of subjects.

An Introduction to Urdu Poetry
Many of you may never have heard of Urdu Poetry before, and even fewer of you may know what Urdu Poetry actually is. This article is a humble attempt to give you some basic knowledge about Urdu Poetry.

Make Money Online As A Freelance Writer
Are you good at words? If so, you can make a career of it and make money online as a freelance writer. There are so many good opportunities out there. Take advantage of them today.

Poetry in Turbulence
To many non-specialists of literature, poetry is deeply unsatisfying. There are several reasons for this, but two in particular come to mind.

How to Choose an Online Resume Writing Service
Believe it or not, you may not be the best person to write your resume Sure, you know your background and experience better than anyone, but translating that information into a successful resume that nets you an interview isn?t an easy task

Outskirts Press announces From Biographical Trails, the latest highly-anticipated Poetry book from Pocatello, ID author Ron Dean.
Outskirts Press, Inc. has published From Biographical Trails by Ron Dean, which is the author's most recent book to date. The 5.5 x 8.5 Paperback in the Poetry category is available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $12.95. The webpage at www.outskirtspress.com/36921A was launched simultaneously with the book's publication.

Create A Successful Career As A Freelance Writer
Although there's no sure-fire method for creating a successful career as a freelancer, I can offer you a few strategies that have helped me to build my own little business as a single mom and struggling writer working from home.As much as I do not enjoy "selling" anything, you have to sell yourself, your work, your skills, your services etc.

Why Every Freelance Writer Needs A Website
What do you mean, you don't have a website yet? Websites these days aren't just for businesses and people who want to share their obsession with Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the world. These days, websites are one of the most important tools for writers.