The WKU Gender & Women’s Studies program is accepting submissions for its 27th annual “GWS Writing Contest” until Monday, March 24 at 4 p.m.
The contest seeks “fresh, reflective poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction” that explores feminist themes and issues.
Any WKU student can submit one original, unpublished work up to 750 words for a chance to win a $100 award. One undergraduate and one graduate student will be chosen to receive the top award, but there are also opportunities to win monetary awards in second and third place.
Sydney Thier, graduate student in WKU’s English Department and coordinator for GWS Open Mic Nights, is one of the main organizers of the contest. Thier won the writing contest twice in past years.
Her past submissions were about how she perceives herself as a woman and the overall feminine experience. She also wrote about feminist film theory and the way she interacts with societal expectations of women.
Thier stated in an email to the Herald that the contest is an opportunity to connect with other writers about similar lived experiences.
“The GWS Writing Contest is a way for students to express themselves in a written form, and to tap into how their experiences might influence the way that they see the world,” Thier stated. “I think this kind of creative outlet is an important multidisciplinary opportunity for everyone at any stage/age. Plus, a monetary reward never hurts!”
Erika Russell, WKU adjunct English instructor, organized the contest alongside Thier. Russell also won the contest in the past for her story called “Intake Specialist” about struggles with self-image and the culture of going to the psychiatrist’s office.
Russell said feminist theory and feminist perspectives are grounded in expression and talking. She said that holding the contest and a space to talk about issues in GWS honors that expression.
“Having that solidarity and that camaraderie with the audience is really beneficial and important,” Russell said. “That’s how issues come to the surface.”
The contest will be anonymously judged according to Russell. This means names of entrants cannot appear on the manuscript they submit. Any identifying information will be removed before judging.
The manuscript should be underneath a separate paper with the title of the entrant’s piece and its genre. The entrant should write their name, WKU ID, local address, undergraduate or graduate status and WKU email address on this sheet, Russell said.
Russell advises students entering the contest to be passionate about what they write about, especially because judges do not have a rubric. and make their decisions based on what they receive.
“I encourage anyone to submit,” Russell said. “The judges don’t know what they’re looking for. They’re going to see what they get and make their decision there.”
Submissions and any further questions about the contest can be sent to sydeney.thier226@topper.wku.edu and ericka.russell@wku.edu.
