Writes of Spring 2014 kicks off May 12

http://konknet.com/konk-life/contributors/connie-gilbert

BY C.S. GILBERT

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

 

“Through the tangled pathways, the twisted haunts, the spare and winding channels of Monroe County lurk fantastical stories and the people who tell them. The Studios of Key West wants to read these stories.”

     Thus, Jessica Argyle, literary artist in permanent residence at TSKW, told Konk Life this week of their 2014 Writes of Spring contest. Registration is open as space allows prior to the Monday, May 12 Kickoff Ceremony; participants are urged to register as soon as possible as space is limited to 25 writers, who must be residents or part-time residents of Monroe County.

     Argyle's debut novel, No Name Key, which will share a double-launch with Jonathan Woods's Phone Call from Hell & Other Tales of the Damned at 6:30 p.m., immediately after the Writes kickoff, began as the first prize winner of last year's Writes of Spring.

     At the kickoff/orientation, at 5:30 p.m. at the Studios, the writing prompt will be revealed. From May 12 until June 2  the writers write, they point out, with submissions due to the Studios by 4 p.m. on Monday, June 2.

       “The first prize-winner and four runners-up will each receive prize packages including gift certificates to The Studios and local restaurants. With permission from the writers (optional) the winners will be published online at www.tskw.org,” sponsors announced.

     “So come all you secret wordsmiths, you diligent doodlers, inkslingers and scribes. Let the Writes of Spring catapult you to local fame and fortune. Meet others of your ilk, talk trash and tell tales. Be brave! Be strong! Bring your work forth into the light of the season and  show us your stuff!”

        Registrations are accepted online (tskw.org), in person in the program office or by telephone at 305–296-0458 and all participants must register and be confirmed by TSKW staff in advance of the May 12 start date. A $25 fee applies to cover program costs. TSKW is located at 600 White St.

        In summary, “If you join us . . . on Monday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. experienced writers will share their thoughts on how you get started and fertilize your ideas. You’ll also be assigned a serial number so that your work can be submitted to judges with anonymity,” they explained.

     “You’ll be given the topic for the competition, not a constraining theme but a provocative phrase/concept to help get you focused. You’ll turn in a work of 2,500 to 10,000 words (that’s approximately 10-40 double-spaced pages, 6-25 book pages) three weeks later, Monday, June 2, by 4 p.m. The submissions will be judged by a panel of experienced, published writers and awards will be presented at a public ceremony late-June.”

     Questions? Phone TSKW at (305) 296-0458.

 

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