Pen Women

On Wednesday I attended a meeting of the Roanoke Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, a group I have been a member of for quite some time.

Our speaker was Rex Bowman, and I wrote more about it on the Pen Women blog, which I also maintain. You can read it here.

Becky at Peevish Pen is also a member of this group, along with Elena at Roanoke RNR. I think that is all the bloggers who are in there.

The Pen Women have opened up their 2009 Poetry Competition.

Here are the details:

NINTH ANNUAL POETRY COMPETITION

$100 First prize

Roanoke, VA – Virginia’s Roanoke Valley Branch of the National League of American Pen Women, winner of the 2009 Perry Kendig Award, is pleased to announce its 9th Annual Poetry Competition.

Proceeds from the Poetry Competition fund an annual scholarship, given to adult students who have returned to school.

Postmark deadline for entries is September 25, 2009. Cost per poem is $5.00; make checks payable to Roanoke Valley Branch, NLAPW. Prizes are $100, $75, $50 and Honorable Mention $5.

Rene Parks Lanier, Jr., Professor of English emeritus at Radford University, will judge the poems. Professor Parks served for many years as Poet-in-the-Schools at numerous Virginia counties and has been published in many small press and academic magazines. He also served five years as president of the Appalachian Writers' Association.

Poems are limited to 40 lines but may be on any subject and in any form. Please read the complete rules at roanokepenwomen.blogspot.com to ensure entry.

Generally, the rules are:
1) Only original, unpublished poetry accepted. Websites are considered publishing.
2) Submit two copies of each poem, typed on 8 ½" x 11" paper. Name, address and e-mail address on only one copy. No entry by e-mail. Incorrectly submitted poems will be disqualified. Poems and fees will not be returned.
3) Entry must be postmarked by September 25, 2009.
4) Winners will be notified by November 20, 2009.
Mail entries to:
Peggy Shifflett, Co-Chairman
700 Cherrywood Road
Salem, VA 24153

Good luck if you enter.