Thursday, October 15, 2009

Postmark deadline draws near for WAC Blanchan & Doubleday writing awards

Reminder: The postmark deadline for applications to the Neltje Blanchan and Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Writing Awards is a little more than two weeks away -- Friday, Oct. 30, 2009.

The $1,000 Blanchan Award is given to a writer whose work, in any literary genre, is inspired by nature. The $1,000 Doubleday Award is given to the best manuscript submitted by a woman author.

To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and a Wyoming resident.The competition is sponsored by the Wyoming Arts Council and funded by artist and arts patron Neltje from Banner.

Judge for the competition is Aaron A. Abeyta, a poet, novelist and and professor of English at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. His first poetry collection, Colcha, received both an American Book Award and the Colorado Book Award. His second poetry collection was As Orion Falls, published by Ghost Road Press in Denver. Abeyta’s first novel, Rise, Do Not Be Afraid, was published in 2007 by Ghost Road Press. He is the recipient of a Colorado Council on the Arts fellowship for poetry. He earned an M.F.A. in creative writing from Colorado State University.

Get a printable application and guidelines at the WAC web site, http://wyoarts.state.wy.us/. For more information, contact Michael Shay, 307-777-5234 or mshay@state.wy.us.