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