Poetry competition encourages MUN’s creative writing community

Gregory J. Power poetry contest taking submissions

By James McDonald

Memorial University is known for its active and engaging group of creative writers. The Gregory J. Power poetry competition, held every spring, is upcoming this month.

“Contests like the Gregory J. Power Competition allow emerging poets to establish themselves as credible artists at a time when literary journals are suffering from cuts in federal arts funding,” said Lynette Adams, last year’s first place contestant.

Adams has been active in the Department of English, and has taken a number of creative writing classes, ranging from poetry to fiction.

“The teachers have shown me how to write, yes, but they’ve also shown me how to build a career as a writer.”

With the creative writing and professional writing diplomas now offered by the English department, Adams believes there much to be offered by experienced wordsmiths.

“They’ve shared their own experiences – finding time and space to write, having the courage to send the work out, dealing with rejection from publishers, taking criticism and applying it effectively,” she said.

It’s no wonder that the Gregory J. Power draws such a strong group of entrants. Adams believes competitions such as these are beneficial opportunities for emerging writers for a number of reasons.

“My first attempts at writing for the public were all motivated by contest deadlines. Like most students, I work best when there’s a deadline looming and the chance at financial gain.”

Financial gain is an appropriate description. First prize wins $300 with second and third at $200 and $100 respectively – a hefty payout for a single poem.

Adams offers encouragement for those interested in entering.

“I had just left a full-time job to further my studies in English and creative writing,” she said. “Winning the contest was a small affirmation that I was on the right track.”

“I would encourage anyone who has an interest to enter the contest, and not just for the chance of winning. There’s so much satisfaction to be found simply in writing something original and sending it out to the world.”

Submissions for the Gregory J. Power poetry competition will be accepted until March 15. For more information, e-mail english@mun.ca or call 737-8277.

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