Contest Puts Teen Writers in the Spotlight

Teens with a passion for writing prose and poetry have a chance to show off their talents courtesy of the Land O’ Lakes Library.

The second annual Teen Writing & Poetry Contest kicked off earlier this week and continues until Nov. 1 at 8 p.m.

Youngsters in grades six through 12 are invited to submit their favorite original works in the contest that includes cash prizes. The judging splits teens into two main groups — grades six through nine and 10 through 12.

While the library is well known for its , and contests that are open to teens throughout Pasco and beyond, the writing event is a relatively new feature, said Paul Stonebridge, teen services manager for the library.

“(We) just started writing to round out (our programs),” he said. The contest, Stonebridge added, enables teens who might not be interested in art or music to show off what they can do.

The contest rules are fairly simple. Teens in each grade category can submit up to three pieces of work in any combination. That means three poems, two poems and a short story, all short stories and so on, Stonebridge said.

The works must be original and should include the name of the contestant, their grade and contact number or email. While emailed, digital copies are the best way to submit, librarian Alicia Diaz said, hard copies will be accepted.

Contestants who want their originals back after judging need to let library officials know, Diaz said. Teens can drop off entries at any library in the county and say they are for the Land O’ Lakes contest, she said. Otherwise, entries should be emailed to AliciaD@PascoLibraries.org.

Poems can be up to two pages and short stories and prose cannot go beyond 10 pages. Library staff will conduct the judging with a winner announced during a banquet-style potluck dinner on Nov. 15. Entries will be read aloud by their authors or library staff.

The prizes are $25 for first place in each category and $15 for second. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Land O’ Lakes Library.

For more information, stop by the library or call 813-929-1214.