Society Contests, Competitions,
Trials and more…
Ok, so I’ve had
my three liters of Mtn. Dew for breakfast and am all revved up!
Now, let’s talk about you…
You’ve either disregarded all of my vitriol
concerning Poetry Societies or have actually found one that works for you, at
this time. (Note: “at this time”—which doesn’t mean you’re married to a
particular group of scribblers.)
Stepping
stones. Stepping stones, my little brick lobbing rodenty friend.
It’s contest time. Most established poetry
societies, if not hard core pathological critique sessions (unfortunately, there
ain’t many of those) will have “contests.”
Contests within academia or societal constraints
are for the most part geared towards a simple handful of ends: glorification of
the body politic, accumulation of funds (entry fees), bragging rights for
winners, (sometimes) a chance to be “published” in an in-house organ or
newsletter (again, garner some income for the organization); some chance at
winning cash, jing, mazoola; generate interest in a particular project, to
energize the slumbering sloths in general. Nothing diabolical here.
That winning cash stuff…with most society
contests, is surprisingly, enuff to cover your costs—with some left over to
finance a couple other entries. won’t Donald Trump you, but not a bad deal
Keep in mind:
all competitions are weighted. That’s “weighted” not crooked or rigged
(usually). Unless one listens to those who do not win or place—sour grapes.
A weighted trial in “poetry” as in running,
skiing…etc. is the result of the basic likes and dislikes of the sponsor, group
in general (committee); the theme, style, acceptable length of the submittal
and—the judge(s). Not the judging criteria, but the judges themselves, their competency
and their leanings. Overtly or not, you’ll also have to deal with the decision
basis of a, committee’s or judge’s recognition of frequent writers’ styles.
Hey, they’re only human and will sniff out their associates— or conversely those
who’ve somehow pissed them off in the past.
Hints:
Contests require, by virtue of their
nature, that a writer, not write for themselves, rather direct the
product towards the advertised criteria. Example: a runner would not do well,
self-determined to run backwards and baton twirl, when competing in a 100 yard
dash. Hey, “poets” do it all the time…my
way is from the hand of God! Ok,
keep writing your self-directed jive until you wake up.
While one is writing to theme, length,
genre etc. the even more important component of showing well in competition:
writing for the judge. Oh yes, Ignatz. Selling your soul and “writing for the
man.” And this—will require a little digging on one’s behalf. a.) does the head-kahuna have published
or accessible works of their own b.) contests they’ve adjudicated before that
can be accessed for comparison of the winners. Lacking this information: c.) review previous winners of the same
or similar competitions sponsored by this body.
No
matter, how corny or how far removed from your style or interest, if you have a
burning desire to enter a particular themed fest, and you feel you can
competently mimic or fall into the parameters…then write.
Comply with the contest guidelines—don’t
go renegade with your ego at this point: selection committees are creatures of warm
and fuzzy compliance, not capable of deciding too far out of the lines:
Theme:
what is the contest about? flaming gnomes; parody of St Edna Vincent Millay’s,
a Visit to Asylum; blazing stirrups, about
poet Banjo Paterson… Follow the theme closely. If a poet’s works or person is
involved in the theme, you may want to try writing to the theme, in that poet’s
or poem’s style—especially if it’s a
parody.
Style: often referred to as format or
genre: haiku, sonnet, blank verse, free verse, rhyme or non… Again, research
into successful poets or society winners in this category will up your game.
Make
sure you are confident in the style. If a particular poet’s style is asked for:
ie. a Shakespearean sonnet, review closely the most notable works and emulate
them, not some obscure piece that may warm your cockles…you are writing for the
Big Cheeze, mon amie, not yourself. If emulating a notable piece, trying to
copy it in period and leitmotif (unless specifically requested otherwise by
directive) is most likely a sidetrack to disaster. Try being obviously wry or
different in subject and feeling while emphatically following the meter, rhyme
and formatting of the original—shows some thought and ingenuity…which
committees like. But, they still like being able to tap their foot to a particular
recognized meter and line length, with rhymes (if rhymed) in exact familiar locations…
The rest, basically grunt
work:
Type: size and font if specified.
Type or computer generated: Handwritten
submittals (the selectors have to think…they don’t like this—or it may simply
be a matter of being able to work with the piece for publication.)
Spacing: most “poems” are requested as “single
space” (double between stanzas.) Sure, sure. You like double spacing. Doesn’t
count. Poetry reads best in single line spacing….and don’t get creative; single
spaced or not, there are enuff “poems” out there littering outhouse walls, that
are about fish, tomatoes, or ICBM’s, that are formatted to look like a shadow cut-out
of that object. Sheesh!
Formatting: Flush left? no indents,
double M indents, flush right, hallmark (center justified), title or no, bold
or not, underlining or not…? Do it the way they want—it’s their darned contest,
you’re just a sprinter in the race.
Identification: make certain your name
and all requested contact data is on each cover page with each submitted “poem” listed (untitled “poems”, use the first line
or first identifiable wording). Most contests do not want your
information on the page with the poem…for obvious reasons. Date your cover
letter.
Length; line number and or length
(width). Don’t get cute and sub’ a haiku instead of a sonnet. Your groove on
that particular morning doesn’t count.
Gottchas: Contests that are open to any
style, format, length…don’t waste your
time. a committee or judge still has their particular affinities and those
will weasel into their final judgment. Anyway, how can a judge, assaulted with
thirty-nine boring sonnets, fifteen dork written haikus, two mis-metered ghazals
and a thirty page tome of free verse all at one time, possibly be able to apply
and concentrate on whatever you’ve sent in? It’s like finding Waldo…
Lastly: have
some fun, learn something and get your name out there.
“Luck” favors
the prepared.
Scribblin‘ Max tdc
