| Published December 14th, 2016 | Youth Ink 2017: A Middle-School Writing Contest to Support Literary Arts | | Submitted by Chantal Valentine | | | The Orinda Junior Women's Club (Orinda Juniors) presents Youth Ink 2017, the annual creative writing contest open to all sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students who live in or attend school in Orinda.
The Youth Ink 2017 prompt is "60 Seconds." This prompt was chosen because it encompasses almost limitless potential for subject matter, thereby encouraging young writers to personalize their pieces.
Organizers say the first rule is to write about anything you like: real or imaginary. There is no limit to the imagination, and entrants do not have to adhere to the prompt. Whatever you write about, just remember to have fun!
"We eagerly await the results of how Orinda's talented young writers approach this year's prompt, although they can write about anything they choose," said Amy Stuffmann, president of Orinda Juniors.
Co-sponsors of Youth Ink 2017, including The Orinda Association, Friends of the Orinda Library and The Orinda Community Foundation, make it possible to provide prizes of $250 for first place, $125 for second place, $75 for third place, and gift certificates for 10 honorable mentions.
A panel of several local professional writers, including reporters and best-selling novelists, will evaluate Youth Ink 2017 submissions and choose winners. The judges' names will be shared when the winners are announced at an awards ceremony at the Orinda Public Library at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. The public is welcome to attend.
Youth Ink 2017 submissions will be accepted on an ongoing basis once the competition opens, but must be hand-delivered to a designated school representative or postmarked by Wednesday, Feb. 15 and mailed to Orinda Junior Women's Club, Post Office Box 40, Orinda, CA 94563 in order to be considered for an award. Youth Ink 2017 submission forms are available through the administrative offices and English departments at Orinda Intermediate School, the Orinda Public Library, Orinda Academy, Athenian School, or online at www.orindajuniors.org.
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