Do you remember the first poem you ever had published? Mine appeared in a now-defunct journal that I think had the word “Stone” in the title when I was still in high school. I remember how it felt to get the thick journal in my hands and turn to my poem — work that I wrote was shared with others, readers. And I’ve been writing ever since and submitting to journals. You’ve probably been doing the same thing if you’re a poet — writing and rewriting your poems, and maybe sending them out to journals, or maybe not. The point is you’ve got poems, and maybe they’re arranged in a short chapbook collection. Or maybe they’re not, but you’ve been thinking about how these poems about your grandmother traveling alone from Ireland to the U.S. 75 years ago or the premature birth of your baby tell a compelling story. Or, maybe you have a story about love or loss that you think others need to read.
Now is the time to put your work together in a chapbook manuscript, or to send us one that you’ve just finished. Minerva Rising’s second chapbook contest reading period is now open. We’re thrilled to have published Laura Cherry’s White Beds, the winning chapbook in last year’s inaugural contest. We’re looking for another powerful manuscript that speaks to the experience of being a woman. Below are the details of this year’s contest, judged by poet Heather McHugh. We dare you to dare. Show us your stuff. The time is now. Submit!
Minerva Rising’s second annual “Dare to Be” Poetry Chapbook Contest: Dare to Be, Dare to Write, Dare to Dare
Wow us with your interpretation of what “Dare to Be” means to you. Fill our Submittable account with the beatings of your poetic hearts. Send us 14-28 pages of your best poetry between September 15-November 15, 2014. Names must not included anywhere in the body of the work. Simultaneous submissions are OK. If any of the poems in the chapbook manuscript have been previously published, please let us know by including a list of acknowledgements at the end of the book.
Final Judge: Heather McHugh, MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and winner of multiple Pushcart Prizes for Poetry
Prize: $250 and 10 copies. Entry fee: $20.
A portion of the reading fees and the proceeds from sales of chapbooks fund The Owl of Minerva Award.
Minerva Rising publishes literature and visual art that is thought-provoking, insightful, riveting and often soul-baring. We are committed to developing all the women artists who join our community. Our editors take pride in the personal attention we offer to the reams of exceptional material we receive month after month.
The 2014 Chapbook Contest is limited to poetry but not limited to form. If you have a poetic voice and vision, please share it with us. Our editors read for strength and clarity of voice, artistic promise and prowess, and a caution-be-damned literary bravado.
