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NEWS ‘N’ NOTES
Poets’ Roundtable of Arkansas Founded February 5, 1931
Member of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc.
http://poetsroundtableofarkansas.org
Like us on Facebook!
May 2017 President’s Address:
Fellow Poets,
Poetry is astir as we discovered with this year’s Spring Celebration meeting. I wish to thank our speaker, Russell Strauss, who directed the meeting by teaching us creative ideas for writing new poems. He offered thoughts and suggestions as part of the session while he critiqued poems which had been submitted by members. Donna Smith read her winning Sybil Nash Abrams poem and brought Glenn Campbell to life as she sang some of his memorable song lyrics for part of her presentation. We met the three winners of the 2017 Jeanie Dolan Carter Memorial Collegiate Contest and were impressed as they read their winning poems. We also heard from high school and middle school winners who attended and read their poems. And, of course, we learned the identity of the Spring Celebration contests winners as we presented those awards.
We are heading toward the valley of summer at a high rate of speed! Spring came in over the coattails, not on the coattails, of winter, so hold on for dear life. Just around the corner is sun and fun in whatever you have planned. The pace will be maddening with kids and “grands” who are busting at the seams, looking back at you, saying, “Come on, come on.” So, grab your hat and shoes, get ready to dance your way through summer. Let’s go! Don’t forget your devices and record it all. Drive with the windows down. Be alert, a poem lurks around every corner.
One more thing: NFSPS is in Ft. Worth this year. Our own Jim Barton is president. Make every effort to go and support him. You will meet interesting people—they’re poets. Some will become life-long friends. Breathing the air in the room with so many poets will be exciting.
Life is too short to be without poetry.
Dennis
Dr. Lily Peter Spring Celebration April 22nd: Our thanks to PRA’s Saline County Branch for hosting this year’s Dr. Lily Peter Spring Celebration in Benton. Featured speaker Russell Strauss shared ideas on entering, sponsoring and judging poetry contests. Russell is a native of Memphis, a current (and 4 times past) President of the Poetry Society of Tennessee, past President of NFSPS, and a PRA member-at-large for the past 10 years. He taught school for 13 years, 2 years in NE Arkansas. Then he worked 37 years for the Tennessee Department of Labor as claims adjudicator for the Memphis unemployment office. He wrote poetry as a young man and returned to it after his wife died in 1995. He currently serves as NFSPS Liaison with state societies. At the end of his presentation he offered a contest for PRA members to submit up to 3 Terza Rima Sonnets by 5/31/17. (See attached contest rules, form description and sample sonnet.) Light and Serious Verse Contest winners were then determined by
a vote. Following lunch JDC Chair Donna Smith introduced the 3 winners of the 2017 Jeannie Dolan Carter Collegiate Contest who read their poems and met contest sponsor Roger Carter. Frieda Patton introduced the 3 attending winners of the Sybil Nash Abrams junior and senior high contests who read their poems. All were impressive young people. (See attached list of all contest winners, also posted on PRA’s website with pictures on PRA’s Facebook.) Mr. Strauss gave a cash prize to junior high student Natalie Petit who performed the best reading. (Thanks to PRA members who helped with statewide outreach and judging for these contests.) A business meeting followed, including: a vote approving a constitutional amendment clarifying duties of PRA’s Membership Chair; and notice of a new state law (Act 292 of 2017) that limits future Arkansas Poet Laureates to a 4-year term and allows recommendations from PRA to the Governor for the position. Spring Contest winners were announced last. (See attached.)
Thanks to PRA’s New Officers for 2017-2019: President Dennis Patton, Vice President Mark Barton, Secretary Fay Guinn, Treasurer Jim Barton, Historian Marilyn Joyner, Parliamentarian Cathy Parker, Counselor Cathy Moran, and Members at large Cat Donnelly, Donna Henson, Frieda Patton and Helene Stallcup. Thanks also to Nominations Chair Kate Lacy.
Youth Chair Needed: PRA needs a Youth Chair to coordinate 3 annual and state poetry contests for junior and senior high students statewide. If you would like to volunteer contact Dennis Patton or Laura Loughridge.
Anthology Research: Kate Lacy and Mark Barton are reviewing options on continuing PRA’s anthology. Recommendations are due in early June. Share your comments with them at: [email protected] and [email protected]. The anthology will not be published in 2017. If you would like to donate past anthologies to complete PRA’s series on file at the Arkansas State Archives, Arkansas State Library, and Butler Center, contact Dennis Patton, Marilyn Joyner or Donna Smith.
Poetry Day Conference, October 21st, Little Rock: Each year this conference honors past Arkansas Poet Laureate Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni who established the first Arkansas Poetry Day on October 15, 1948. Our thanks to Little Rock’s River Market Poets for hosting this year’s event at the Butler Center. Featured speaker will be Brian Borland, poet, author, editor, Pushcart nominee, and winner of numerous honors. The American Library Association named his new book “DIG” a 2017 Stonewall Honor Book. See attached Poetry Day Contest Brochure also posted on PRA’s website. The Sybil Nash Abrams topic is An Arkansas Destination. Entries are due August 15th to Contest Chair Liz Faulkner, 3 Ridge Oak Cove, Little Rock, 72223. For conference questions contact Poetry Day Chair Cathy Moran at [email protected].
PRA/State Fair Partnership Renewed for 2017: PRA is partnering again with the Arkansas State Fair to sponsor the “Best-of-Show” Poetry contest winners in 4 age groups. Prizes include: $25/Adult (age 19+), $25/Senior Youth (14-18), $15/Junior Youth (9-13) and $10/Youth (5-8). The adult winner also will receive a 1-year PRA membership. Entry is free for all Arkansas residents. See attached summary of contest rules and State Fair entry form. Poems must be mailed together with a completed entry form in one envelope to arrive no later than September 29th. Or entries may be hand delivered to the fair from September 30 - October 7, between 10AM-6PM. Winners will be announced at the fair October 12-22, and posted on PRA’s website. Prizes will be mailed after the fair. PRA also will submit press releases for each “Best of Show” winner.
Did You Know? PRA members are NFSPS members too, with access to other state & national contests.
Notes from Jim, NFSPS President: Jim Barton recommends researching the sites where you travel for the “poetry of place.” And he very much hopes you will travel to Fort Worth, Texas for the NFSPS Convention, June 29 - July 2. This year’s conference is the closest location to Arkansas in several years. And this is Jim’s first year as President. The agenda is jam-packed with educational opportunities from early morning to late at night. Plus several fun activities are tucked in, like: visiting the Stockyards to see a longhorn cattle drive or a rodeo, Billy Bob’s honky-tonk, western art museums, a water garden, and even seeing money made at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Fort Worth is a unique American city – modern, yet historic – a true “old west” cow town. Then there’s the larger metro area to explore as well, if you’ve the time. Jim recently spoke at the Lucidity conference in Eureka Springs, where one attendee put into words what we all feel, “I just love Jim Barton.” He will charm you in Ft. Worth too. Hope to see you at Fort Worth’s historic Hilton Hotel in late June. Call now for your reservations (817-870-2100) and mention NFSPS for discounted conference rates (expiring June 6th). Contest winners will be announced there. See registration details at www.nfsps.com.
Yearbook Corrections: Please make the following corrections to your 2017 yearbook. General information also is posted on PRA’s website, excluding member names/addresses.
Welcome new members: Robin Gilmour of Bella Vista, AR; Shannon Mullins of El Dorado, AR; Gary Breezeel of Searcy, AR; Florence Bruce of Memphis, TN; Shawn Southerland of White Hall, AR; and Anna Wells of Festus, MO.
Mary Griffith’s new email is: [email protected].
Online Group: PRA members, if you’re not attending a branch consider joining the Online Group. Contact Kate Lacy at [email protected]. New participants are always welcome.
Farewell to Betty Fraser (1926-2017): Betty Fraser, 91, of Conway passed away February 13, 2017. She served as president of PRA in 1956-1957. Her poetry was published in over 20 publications, including the Conway Log Cabin Democrat, Arkansas Gazette and Ideal Magazine. She mentored many poets through the years, and her poems were read or displayed at numerous events. She was born in Farmington, Iowa to James and Lottie Carr. She married Edward Fraser and they had 3 children. She worked at Hendrix College in Conway and served as Executive Secretary for the Nabholz Companies 20 years. Betty was very active in her church where she taught Sunday school 42 years. She also enjoyed participating in many civic organizations in Conway.
She had a wonderful sense of humor and she was a beloved counselor to many. Survivors include her two daughters, one son, eight grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, extended family and many friends. PRA sends our sympathy and gratitude to her family.
Farewell to Louis Houston (1931-2017): Louis Houston, 85, of Siloam Springs died April 5, 2017 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born November 25, 1931 to Burl and Frankie Houston in Eastland County, Texas. He graduated from North Texas State University in 1952 as the first college graduate in his family, with a Bachelor’s degree in business. In 1956 he married Leah Hall and they moved to New Mexico where he worked as a systems analyst for Conoco Oil Company, developing computer software for the world’s first remotely monitored oilfield. In 1971 they moved to Siloam Springs where Louis worked the next 20 years as Data Processing Manager for Benton County. During retirement he was an award winning columnist for the Siloam Springs Herald Leader. Louis was active in the Community Christian Fellowship of Siloam Springs and was a past member of PRA’s Siloam Springs Writers Guild. Louis loved to write. He also loved to spend time with his family and his dog BJ outdoors, cook pancakes for his grandkids, and talk politics with his wife Leah. He is survived by his wife, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and many friends. PRA extends our sympathy to his family and friends.
Poetic Wins, Activities & Publications: Please send notice of activities & accomplishments to PRA News Editor Donna Smith, 58 Briarwood, Greenbrier, AR 72058 ([email protected]).
PRA Monthly Contest winners are: February - 1st
Pauly Grace Bunting, 2nd John Crawford, 3rd Don Crowson, 1HM John McPherson, 2HM Amanda Partridge, 3HM Marilyn Joyner; March – 1st Vivian Barcroft, 2nd Marilyn Joyner, 3rd Don Crowson, 1HM Cathy Parker, 2HM Cathy Moran, 3HM Barbara Blanks.
Two Rivers Poetry branch of Ft. Smith is partnering with Dewey’s Café for Open Mic Nights at 7PM every third Thursday of the month at Fort Smith’s main library on Rogers Avenue. Two Rivers Poetry branch also meets the same day from 2:30 -4PM at Sweet Bay Coffee. For information contact Mary Sangster at [email protected] or check Two Rivers Poetry Society of Fort Smith on Facebook.
The Hot Springs branch is sponsoring the Dr. Paul Tucker Memorial Prize in 2 categories during the Hot Springs Festival Arts and the Park, April 28-May 6, for the second year. Winners will be selected by members of the branch and awarded prizes at a special noon ceremony on May 6th at Hill Wheatley Plaza. Contest funds of $300 are provided by Doc Crawford.
The Siloam Springs Writers branch is sponsoring a writers’ conference July 7-8. Speakers include; PRA President Dennis Patton; Dr. Paul Linzey, Humanities Chair at Florida’s Southeastern University; and Traci Manos, MFA at John Brown University in Siloam Springs. A catered dinner will be provided Friday night followed by Dr. Linzey’s keynote presentation. Speakers will conduct a 30-45 minute Q&A session on Saturday. (See attached details.)
South Arkansas Poets of the Pines sponsored and participated in an Open Mic at PJ's Coffee House in El Dorado on March 17, 2017, continuing this very popular monthly event.
Pat Oplinger (Member-at-large, Cherokee Village) won 3rd in Haiku and 2nd in free verse from Ozark Writer’s League; and won 1st HM in free verse from Lucidity Poets’ Retreat.
Beecher Smith (Member-at-large, Memphis, TN) won 2nd Place in the Poetry Virginia Annual Contest, limerick Category, for "Ne Plus Ultra." Pat Durmon (Member-at-large, Norfork, AR) won an HM in the Lucidity Contest at Eureka Springs, AR; and published 7 poems in 5 publications: Chicago Memory House, Between the Lines, Spare Mule, The 5 Stages, and Indie Soleil Magazine.
Harding Stedler (River Market) had three poems published in Quail Bell Magazine and three others published in Nature Writing in February.
Cathy Moran (River Market) was the only Arkansas poet included in The Slant, published by the University of Central Arkansas. Check UCA’s webpage at www.uca.edu to submit poems for the next publication.
Karen Kay Bailey Knauss (Member-at-large, Oklahoma) published a new poetry collection, Where Once A Willow.
Barbara Blanks (Member-at-large, Texas) published a new book, Not Quite Leaping Puddles, plus a semi-new book, Flesh of the Sun: Life Above the Ground. See http://barbara-blanks.com/ for information on her books, AND [email protected] for membership at A Galaxy of Verse.
Fay Guinn (Member-at-large, Jonesboro, AR) won 3rd place at the Lucidity Poetry Retreat in Eureka Springs.
Pat Laster (Saline County) won a 1st and 2nd in the Missouri State Society’s winter contest; an HM at the Lucidity Poetry Retreat; posted a poem-a-day on Facebook for National Poetry Month; and judged the Grand Prize winner from all 1st place contest winners for the Mississippi Poetry Society’s spring convention.
Gail Denham (Member-at-large, Oregon) won: HM in the Chaparrel Contest of Utah; 1st HM in Pennsylvania; two 3rds and one 2nd in Tennessee; a 1st and two 2nds in the Sylvan Pennsylvania contest; a 2nd, 1st and two HMs in Oklahoma’s Spring Contest; 3rd and 1HM in Missouri; and HM from Wyo Poets (Wyoming). Her poems were used by Illinois State Poets, Pencil Marks, Pennessence, Tennessee, Highland Park Muse, Wyoming, Manifest West, Well Versed, Lucidity and Galaxy of Verse. She is also coordinating a “Poets’ Corner” in Oregon Christian Writers monthly e-newsletter. And for Poetry Month in April she handed out poems everywhere she went.
John Crawford (Hot Springs) has been awarded the honorary Doctor of Letters from the International Biographical Institute of Great Britain (Ely, England). Dr. Crawford is professor emeritus of Henderson State University, with 5 degrees from Ouachita Baptist University, Drake University (Iowa), and Oklahoma State University. He has contributed poetry and essays to numerous literary journals since the 1960s. He has published four academic books that are in the Library of Congress and various university libraries across the nation. He also has three volumes of poetry and one chapbook (which won the 1990 Chapbook Prize of Erie, PA Poetry Forum), and has a forthcoming volume titled "Female Voices from the Bible," due out in July by Christian Faith Publishing of PA. Dr. Crawford has won the Sybil Nash Abrams Prize twice and received PRA’s Merit Award in 1988 for contributions to state, regional and national poetry. He is a charter member of the Hot Springs Wednesday Poetry, now in its 28th year of successive Wednesday evening performances, and is President of the Hot Springs PRA branch. He continues to read at various venues and has twice performed a musical history of poetry at the NFSPS conference. He will soon be presenting poems from his latest book, accompanied by related songs.
OWFI (Oklahoma Writer’s Federation, Inc.) is a multi-genre writer’s organization with over 600 members. New members are always welcome. Contests include fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Research the organization’s offerings at www.owfi.org/.
River Valley Writer’s critique group Kindly Kritics welcomes everyone for encouragement and critiquing of prose and poetry. They meet twice monthly at 6PM on Monday at the Ft. Smith Library on Rogers Ave.
Ozark Writers League will be held May 19 - 20 at the Honeysuckle Inn and Conference Center in Branson, Missouri. Check their website for all the details.
Upcoming Deadlines/Events/Contests
2nd Saturday each Month: PRA’s Monthly Contest entries are due by mail to Liz Faulkner, 3 Ridge Oak
Cove, Little Rock AR 72223. See PRA’s yearbook and website for rules, plus links to resources on poetry forms. PRA members may send one poem per month for free critique to PRA’s State Critic Todd Sukany, 5443 South 188th Road, Pleasant Hope, MO 65725 ([email protected]).
June: Watch for the Arkansas Writers’ Conference. See details at arkwritersconf.org.
June 6: Discounted room rates expire at the NFSPS conference at Ft. Worth’s Hilton. Call 817-870-2100.
June 29-July 2: NFSPS conference in Fort Worth, TX.
June 30: PRA 2017-2018 member fees are due. Send fees ($20 regular or $15 for seniors & students) with updates on address, phone and email to PRA Treasurer Jim Barton, P.O. Box 263, Huttig, AR 71747 ([email protected].) Also send updates on branch officers, meeting dates, places & times. Yearbooks will be printed in July with available information. Late payment will affect your eligibility for various contests.
July 7-8: The Siloam Springs Branch will host a writers’/poets’ conference. See attached brochure.
August: PRA’s new 2017-2018 yearbook mailed.
August 15: Deadline for PRA’s Poetry Day Contest entries. See attached contest brochure, also posted on PRA’s website. Send entries to Contest Chair Liz Faulkner, 3 Ridge Oak Cove, Little Rock AR 72223.
September 29: Mail-in deadline for the Arkansas State Fair Poetry Contest entries to arrive. See details attached and posted on PRA’s website.
October 21: Poetry Day 2017 in Little Rock hosted by the River Market branch at the Butler Center.
November: Junior/Senior High and College Student contests will be distributed this month. PRA branches are asked to help promote these contests in their area.
PRA members receive the quarterly News ‘N Notes via email and web posting. The NFSPS quarterly Strophes newsletter is available online via link from PRA’s website. Members may request copies of both by postal mail. Branch Presidents are asked to assure that all members have access to these publications.
For More Information - Check PRA’s website for updates on Arkansas activities and like us on Facebook. Also check the NFSPS web site (www.nfsps.com) for national news, contests, and links to other state poetry societies. Please alert PRA Membership Chair Kate Lacy with any changes in member contact information or branch meeting places/times/officers. PRA currently serves 143 members, 11 branches, and an online group
2017 Dr. Lily Peter Spring Celebration Contest Winners
Dr. Lily Peter Awards - Chair Dennis Patton -- 21 entries -- Judge Faye Adams of MO 1st Place -- John McBride -- “Fishing Lake Superior”
2nd Place -- Elizabeth Dail -- “Celestial Snacks”
3rd Place -- Jim Barton - “Sunrise on Moro”
1 HM -- Don Crowson -- “Jim’s Bleakest Winter”
2 HM -- Barbara Blanks -- “The Vamp”
3 HM -- Marilyn Joyner -- “Magic of Night”
Verna Lee Hinegardner Memorial Award -- Chair Laura Trigg -- 21 entries--
Judge John Michael Shelton of MS
1st Place, Elizabeth Dail - “Dying By My Word“
2nd Place, Donna Smith - “Oh, the Irish”
3rd Place, John Crawford - “There is a Season, Son…. “
1 HM, Jim Barton - “The Cows on Hurricane Creek”
2 HM, Barbara Blanks - “Choosing Opals”
3 HM, Shawn Southerland - “Hollow Thank you so much!”
Mary Harper Sowell Memorial -- Chair Pat Laster-- 18 entries -- Judge Ann Carolyn Cates of MS
1st Place – Laura Trigg, LR – “Car Radios”
2nd Place – Jim Barton, Huttig – “Memories Like Golden Coins”
3rd Place – John McPherson, Searcy – “Nature From Afar”
1 HM – John Crawford, Arkadelphia – “A Quiet Place”
2 HM – Pat Durmon, Norfork – “Geometry Class”
3 HM – Rita Goodgame, LR – “The Melding”
Spring Celebration Serious Verse Contest – Mark Barton – 8 entries – Judged by PRA Spring Attendees
1st – Jim Barton, Huttig – “Blue Heron”
2nd – John McPhearson, Searcy – “Leftovers”
3rd – Tied between John Crawford, Arkadelphia – “Looking Back”
and Cathy Parker, Alexander – “Freedom”
Spring Celebration Light Verse Contest – Liz Faulkner – 4 entries – Judged by PRA Spring Attendees
1st – Delores Hinde, Hot Springs, – “Shopping Detour”
2nd – Fay Wise, Benton – “Rebuttal”
3rd – Dennis Patton, Alexander – “Watch Dog”
2017 Jeanie Dolan Carter Memorial Collegiate Award -- Chair Donna Smith -- 11 entries -- judges Pat
Durmon and Diane Stefan
1st Place -- Ellie Black of Hendrix College in Conway (from Clarksville, AR) - “reading the virgin suicides out
loud”
2nd Place -- Dennison Schultz of UofA Fayetteville (from Cabot, AR) - “PULSE”
3rd Place -- Anushah Jiwani of Hendrix College, Conway (from Little Rock, AR) - “Halwa”
2017 Sybil Nash Abrams Student Contest - Chair Laura Loughridge
Senior Division -- 49 entries -- Judge Kate Lacy
1st Place -- Vance Gardner -- "Post Traumatic Stresses" -- eStem, Little Rock
2nd Place -- Mallory Cain -- "Bulimia Nervosa" --eStem, Little Rock
3rd Place -- Anjel Poole -- "Strong desires for isolation" -- Malvern High School
1HM -- Maya Wylie -- "Fireworks" -- Clarksville homeschool
2HM -- Maleah Starks -- "WE" -- eStem , Little Rock
3HM -- Maya Wylie -- "A Farewell from the Sunset" -- Clarksville homeschool
Junior Division -- 21 entries -- Judge Cathy Moran
1st Place -- Brooke Elliott --"Grimalkins Gather" --Episcopal Collegiate, Little Rock
2nd Place -- Jacob Miller -- “Not Yet” -- Episcopal Collegiate, Little Rock
3rd Place -- Natalie Petit -- "Mockingbird" -- Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock
1HM -- Veronica Simon -- "Pain" -- Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock
2nd HM -- Olivia Wilse, -- "Rose Water" -- Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock
3rd HM -- Tuesday Melton -- "Answered Prayers" --Benton Junior High
POETS’ ROUNDTABLE OF ARKANSAS Founded February 5, 1931
Member of National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc. (nfsps.com)
http://poetsroundtableofarkansas.org
--- 2017 POETRY DAY CONTESTS ---
Open to Arkansas Residents Only
1. Sybil Nash Abrams Award: $1,000/$400/$250. Must be historically accurate, original and unpublished.
Enclose bibliography (not included in line count) on a separate page. First place winner ineligible to enter
contest for four years thereafter. Subject: An Arkansas destination. Form: Any. Line limit: 60 – 100. Chair:
Marcia Camp.
Open to PRA Members Only
2. Verna Lee Hinegardner Memorial: $50/$25/$10, HM $5/$5/$5. Subject: Age/any. Form: Minute. Chair:
Roundtable Poets of Hot Springs.
3. Roundtable Poets of Hot Springs: $50/$30/$20. Subject: Any. Form: English sonnet. Chair: Roundtable
Poets of Hot Springs.
4. Pauline Brown Memorial: $50/$30/$20. Subject: Any. Form: Any rhymed form. Line limit: 24. Chair:
Roundtable Poets of Hot Springs.
5. Happiness is a Poem: $50/$25/$15, HM $5/$5. Subject: Humorous and light-hearted. Form: Any. Line
limit: 32. Chair: Baxter County Poets’ Association.
Open to All Poets
6. I was thinking of you: $65/$25/$15, HM $5/$5/$5. Subject: Any. Form: Any. Chair: Dennis Patton.
7. Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni Award: $50/$30/$20, HM $10/$10/$10. Subject: Any. Form: Any. Line limit:
36. Chair: Pat Laster.
8. Opal Jane & Harry O’Neal Memorial Award: $50/$35/$25, HM $5/$5/$5. Subject: Rainy day(s).
Form: Free verse. Line limit: 36. Chair: Ben H. O’Neal III.
9. Opal Jane & Harry O’Neal Humor Award: $50/$35/$25, HM $5/$5/$5. Subject: Driving. Form: Any.
Line limit: 24. Chair: Ben H. O’Neal III.
10. Sharp Award: $50/$30/$20, HM$5/$5/$5. Subject: Any. Form: Free verse. Line limit: 36. Chair: Cathy
Moran.
11. River Market Poets Award: $50/$30/$20. Subject: Rivers. Form: Free verse. Line limit: 36. Chair: River
Market Poets.
12. L.C. & Pat Bridges Award: $50/$30/$20. Subject: Christian poetry. Form: Free verse. Line limit: 24.
Chair: L.C. and Pat Bridges.
13. Dr. Seuss Memorial Award (in honor of his 114th birthday 3/2/17): $50/$30/$20. Subject: Any poetry
for children. Form: Any. Line limit: 24. Chair: Donna Smith.
14. David Goodgame Memorial: $50/$30/$20. Subject: Lost and found at the yard sale. Form: Free verse.
Line limit: 40. Chair: Rita Goodgame.
15. All the Way Home: $50/$25/$15. Subject: Home. Form: Poet’s choice. Line limit: 24. Chair: Helene
Stallcup.
16. Poets Northwest: $35/$20/$15, HM$10/$10/$10. Subject: Poems about recovery. Form: Blank verse.
Line limit: 32. Chair: Poets Northwest.
17. SAPOP Award: $35/$15/$10, HM$5/$5/$5. Subject: Gardening. Form: Etheree. Line limit: 10. Chair:
SAPOP.
18. Marie Barton & Teresa Dixon Memorial: $30/$15/$10, HM $5/$5/$5. Subject: Trees. Form: Any. Line
limit: 36. Chair: Jim Barton.
19. Winklebleck’s Choice Award in memory of Mary Winklebleck: $30/$20/$10. Subject: Any (serious or
humorous). Form: Any. Line limit: 40. Chair: Barbara Blanks.
20. That’s Life Award: $30/$20/$10. Subject: I believe in…(Do not include “I believe in” in the title) Form:
Free verse. Line limit: 32. Chair: Laura Loughridge.
21. Saline County Branch Award: $25/$15/$10 HM $5/$5/$5. Subject: Any. Form: Any. Line limit: 20.
Chair: Saline County Poets.
22. Crowson Award: $25/$15/$10, HM $5/$5/$5. Subject: Make me laugh – funniest poem wins. Form:
Any. Line limit: 24. Chair: Don Crowson.
23. Two Rivers Poetry of Ft. Smith Award: $25/$15/$10, HM $5/$5. Subject: Nature’s wonders. Form:
Any. Line limit: 40. Chair: Two Rivers Poetry of Fort Smith.
24. River Poets of Batesville Award: $25/$15/$10. Subject: Any. Form: Spoon River (free verse–person
speaking from the grave). Line limit: 36. Chair: River Poets of Batesville.
25. Gin Creek Poets’ Award: $25/$15/$10. Subject: Any. Form: Luc Bat. Line limit: 36. Chair: Gin Creek
Poets.
26. Florence Gibbs Memorial: $25/$15/$10. Subject: Any. Form: Any. Line limit: 36. Chair: Anna Noack.
27. Betty Heidelberger: $25/$15/$10. Subject: Any. Form: Any. Line limit: 36. Chair Anna Noack.
28. Baker Nichols: $25/$10/$5. Subject: Any. Form: Beymorlin sonnet. Line limit: 14. Chair: Freeda Baker
Nichols.
29. Celia Marts Memorial Award: $15/$10/$5. Subject: New dreams for those past 60. Form: Open. Line
limit: 30. Chair: Patricia H. Oplinger.
30. The Beech Award: $15/$10/$5. Subject: Any. Form: A Beech poem. The Beech is a 5 line poem- first
line (2 syllables), second & third lines (5 syllables), fourth line (3 syllables), fifth line (8 syllables).
Rhymed – ABBBA.
CONTEST RULES
1. Mail all entries and fees in one envelope postmarked by August 15, 2017 to Liz Faulkner, 3 Ridge Oak
Cove, Little Rock AR 72223.
2. Non-members may enter all contests for which they are eligible for $15; members may enter for $10.
Make check or money order payable to “PRA.”
3. Submit one typed or Times New Roman (12) original and one copy for each contest entered with no
illustrations or embellishments on entries. Type number and name of award in upper left corner of both
copies. On duplicate only, place name and address in upper right corner (labels accepted).
4. All poems must be original, unpublished work of the poet, and not under consideration for publication.
PRA defines publication as having an ISBN #.
5. Submit only one poem in each category. No poem may be entered in more than one category.
6. No entries will be returned. All manuscripts will be destroyed.
7. Contest chairs are not necessarily judges.
8. Three honorable mentions will be awarded without prizes unless otherwise specified. Entries not following
rules will be disqualified.
POETS’ ROUNDTABLE OF ARKANSAS Founded February 5, 1931
Member of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc.
http://poetsroundtableofarkansas.org
2017 Arkansas State Fair Poetry Contests
Sponsored by Poets’ Roundtable of Arkansas (PRA)
Entry Instructions (Printed with permission from the Arkansas State Fair)
PRA is partnering with the 2017 Arkansas State Fair to sponsor the “Best of Show” poetry winners in 4 age
groups. Entry is free for all Arkansas residents.
Prizes: In addition to any winnings offered by the State Fair, PRA will award the following prizes to the overall
“Best of Show” poetry winners: $25/Adult (age 19+), $25/Senior Youth (14-18), $15/Junior Youth (9-13) and
$10/Youth (5-8). The adult winner also will receive a 1-year PRA membership.
Entry Form: Complete the attached entry form listing each poem title, division number and class code. Poetry
Division numbers are: Adult-167, Senior Youth-267, Junior Youth-367, and Youth-461. Poetry class codes,
subjects, line limits and poetry forms are the same across all age groups. See list below.
CLASS – SUBJECT – LINE LIMIT – POETRY FORM
Class 01 – Nature – 24 lines – Free Verse form
Class 02 – My Life on the Farm – 24 lines – Free Verse form
Class 03 – My Day at the Fair – 24 lines – Free Verse form
Class 04 – Wild Card – Any subject – 24 lines – Any form
Instructions: Enter only one poem in each class. In the upper left corner of each poem, put the division number,
class number and name of contest. To accommodate blind judging, DO NOT put your name or address on the
poem. That information will be on the entry form that must accompany the poems. No entries will be returned.
Deadlines: All poems must be mailed together with a completed entry form in one envelope to arrive no later
than September 29th. Or entries may be hand delivered to the fair from September 30 - October 7, between
10AM-6PM. Submit mailings or hand deliveries to:
Arkansas State Fair – Creative Arts
2600 Howard Street
Little Rock, AR 72206
Attn: Deb Crow – Competitive Events Administrator
NOTE: The fair normally requires hand delivery of all entries in the creative arts. However, the fair will accept mailed entries
for the poetry contests. If you have questions feel free to call the State Fair staff at 501-372-8341. Or see details at the State
Fair’s website: http://www.arkansasstatefair.com/events/2017/creative-arts-information, with links to the fair’s Creative Arts
General Rules, Schedule, Entry Form, and instruction Handbooks for each age group.
Winnings: Winners will be announced at the fair October 12-22, and posted on PRA’s website. Prizes will be
mailed after the fair closes. PRA also will submit press releases for each “Best of Show” winner to their home
town newspaper, with pictures if provided. Please remember to include your email address on the entry form to
receive prompt notice if you are the Best-of-Show winner.
Arkansas State Fair & Livestock Show – 2017 Creative Arts Entry Form 2600 Howard Street, Little Rock, AR 72206
Phone: 501-372-8341 or Fax: 501-372-4197
Exhibitor Name:_____________________________________________________Date of Birth:_____________
Mailing Address:____________________________________________________________________________
City:_______________________________________________________________Zip:____________________
County:__________________________________Day Phone #:_______________________________________
Email Address:______________________________________________________________________________
Exhibitor Signature:___________________________________________________Date:__________________
Parent/GuardianSignature:____________________________________________Date:___________________ (Only if Exhibitor is under 18 years of age) Are you a 4-H____ or FFA____ Member?
- Signature above constitutes user acknowledgement of review and agreement to the terms as defined in the published rules
and regulations for this event. The Creative Arts Exhibitor Handbook is located online at the Arkansas State Fair Creative Arts
web page www.arkansasstatefair.com. Please read the rules!
- Recipe Forms and/or Press Sheets are required in some divisions and must accompany the Entry form. Must be typed. All
forms are located at the web address above.
- Refer to the Creative Arts Exhibitor Handbook for Division and Class descriptions and complete contest rules.
- The above information must be completely filled out.
Division Class Identifying Article Description or Title ASF Use Only
ASF Use Only Group or School:_____________________ _____________________________
Exhibitor #:_______________________________________Date:_______________________
July 7 – July 8, 2017 Siloam Springs Writers Guild:
First Summer Writers’ Conference
Fanning the Flame
Keeping the Passion Alive
Fellowship Hall: First Baptist Church, 2000 Dawn Hill Road, Siloam Springs, AR
There will be door prizes!!
Day Time Event Speaker
Friday 7 p.m. Opening Remarks Gene Linzey, SSWG President
Opening Prayer Charles Yancy, SSWG Chaplain
Introduction of speakers Gene Linzey
8 p.m. Using Passion to Drive your Story Dr. Paul Linzey, MFA, D.Min
All Genres
Saturday 9 a.m. Insights on Poetry Dennis Patton, PRA President
10 a.m. Creative Fiction Traci Manos, MFA
11 a.m. Adding Depth to Your Writing Dr. Paul Linzey
All Genres
Noon Q & A Session Paul Linzey
Dennis Patton
Traci Manos
Closing Remarks Gene Linzey
For information: Gene Linzey 479-228-3627 [email protected]
Ted Weathers 479-373-6383 [email protected]
Conference Fee Schedule:
Early-Bird registration fees are good through June 24.
Add $5 to register June 25 or later.
90 years old and over – $10 for the meal; no conference charge
1. Adults - $30 for Friday and Saturday (includes Friday meal*)
2. Adults - $15 for Saturday only
3. Students** - $15 for Friday and Saturday (includes Friday meal)
4. Students - $10 for Saturday only
* meal will be catered by the Siloam Springs Rib Crib Restaurant
** includes elementary through university undergraduates
To register, send check or money order no later than June 24 to:
Siloam Springs Writers Guild, 1600 Rosewood Lane, Siloam Springs, AR 72761
(On the memo line put: Writers Conference)
PRA Terza Rima Sonnet Contest Sponsored by Russell Strauss for PRA Members only
Presented at the Dr. Lily Peter Spring Celebration RULES:
1) Submit two copies: one with name and address in the upper right corner and one without. Both copies should have “PRA Terza Rima Contest” in the upper left corner.
2) You may enter as many as three poems. 3) On the back of the copy with your name and address, place a number “1”, “2”, or “3”, according to
how confident you are in your poem. Then send that amount in dollar bills with the poem. DO NOT SEND CHECKS. If you are the first place winner you will receive the number of dollars on the back of your poem multiplied by the number of poems entered into the contest.
4) Send your entries postmarked no later than 5/31/2017 to the following address:
Mr. Pete Harris 1645 Faxon Ave. Memphis, TN 38112
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TERZA RIMA SONNET FORM: Defining features from www.poetrymagnumopus.com/index.php?showtopic_1043:
- A quatorzain, made up of 4 tercets and concluding with a rhyming couplet. - Metric, iambic pentameter. - Composed with a volta (a non-physical gap) or pivot (a shifting or tilting of the main line of thought)
sometime after the 2nd tercet. - Similar to the Spenserian Sonnet in which the poem progresses forward developing the metaphor, conflict,
idea or question. The epiphany of the poem arrives logically in the couplet. - Rhymed with up to 6 rhymes with an interlocking rhyme scheme of aba bcb cdc ded ff. - Written so that the concluding rhyming couplet serves as a refrain or invocation.
Additional/Alternative input from Russell (via www.thepoetsgarret.com/sonnet/rima.html): - Any meter or line length may be used, as long as all the lines are of the same length and meter. - The rhyme scheme is that line 2 of each stanza rhymes with lines 1 and 3 of the following stanza, creating
an interlocking pattern. In the final stanza, both lines rhyme with line 2 of the preceding tercet. - The Terza Rima Sonnet has the rhyme scheme: A1. b. A2… b. c. b… c. d. c… d. a. d… A1. A2.
SAMPLE TERZA RIMA SONNET (by Russell Strauss): Monday Morning Optimism, 1963 Diffuse, like beaten eggs, the sunrise glow has oozed across the sky. I turn the dial. A toothpaste salesman on my radio advises me I need a whiter smile. I cross sun-gilded girders of the bridge to Arkansas, traversing fields a while then climb the piney crest of Crowley’s Ridge. I breakfast light on one granola bar, an apple taken from my parents’ fridge. I teach. At twenty-two. My wheezing car will bear me on my Monday morning quest toward my small rural school where students are more brilliantly accomplished than the rest, all future farm-bred geniuses, the best.
