VSA arts Writing Project

Call for Writing

The Theme - “Encounter”

Create a short work of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry that examines an encounter between you and another person or group of people. Write about an extraordinary encounter, an ordinary encounter, or create a fictional encounter. Examine the interactions and relationships in your life, or delve into the inner workings of your imagination.

Create a fictional situation. Let your imagination wander and envision an encounter and the details that accompany it. Who would you most like to meet for the first time or see again, and what would that encounter be like? What interactions might you have in the future?

-- or --

Take a walk through your past, remembering the people with whom you have interacted: someone you remember who you will never see again, the most influential people in your life, the most important relationships, or the mundane conversations. Relive an encounter in which you felt excitement, elation, discomfort, or contentment.

Be specific—describe the encounter using as many sensory details as possible: sights, sounds, tastes, textures, and smells. Short fiction, nonfiction, and all poetic forms are welcome.

Writing will be judged for its creativity, technical proficiency, adherence to the theme, and presence of personal style and vision. Selected pieces will become part of the VSA arts online writing journal, Infinite Difference. A smaller selection will be exhibited in VSA arts’ writing gallery.

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Entry Guidelines

1. The call is open to students with disabilities and students who have connections to people with disabilities. Students must be between the ages of 11 and 18 years. Submissions must relate to the theme “Encounter.” 
    
2. Entries must reach VSA arts on or before Friday, December 7, 2007. 
    
3. Writing may be submitted in any language. Writing in languages other than English must be accompanied by a basic English translation.
    
4. Writing must be original and created by the student submitting the entry. A total of two entries per student is allowed: one fiction or nonfiction piece and one poem. Guidelines for each genre of work:
    
   • Fiction and nonfiction should not exceed 500 words. Works that exceed these lengths will not be accepted.
      
   • Poems should not exceed 100 lines. Poems that exceed this length will not be accepted. Poems intended for song lyrics are acceptable.
      
5. Alternate formats for texts, such as audio recordings or Braille, are welcome.
    
6. Author and parent/guardian grant VSA arts the right to use writing submissions for public relations purposes, including, but not limited to, the VSA arts Web site, newsletter, related media, collection books, and exhibitions.
    
7. Writing, video, and audio tape submissions become the property of VSA arts and will not be returned. It is suggested that students make copies of their submissions prior to sending them to VSA arts.
    
8. Each submission must be accompanied by a separate entry form.

• Entries may be submitted by mail. You may download an entry form below. Entry forms must be signed by the author and parent/guardian for students under 18 years of age. Author name and title of work must be on all pieces of the submission.

Send your entry to:
VSA arts–Writing Project
818 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006 USA

Submitting Applications

Entries must reach VSA arts on or before Friday, December 7, 2007.

2007 Application Documents
(Adobe format) Call for Writing Application  1.1 MB
(Text Format) Call for Writing Application 12.2 KB

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Free Writing Tools for Educators and Parents

The call for writing encourages educators to explore creative writing in their classrooms and learning environments to include students of all abilities. It is an opportunity to draw out the expressive minds of students through the written word, while also addressing education standards in reading and writing. Educators new to creative writing can use this call as a catalyst for expanding teaching techniques. For those already using creative writing in their curricula, the call offers young writers a chance to share their talent with a larger community.

VSA arts has compiled a series of writing guides for educators wanting to learn more about using creative writing to promote inclusive learning environments. These books offer concrete, simple, and adaptive lesson ideas and writing exercises with practical tips for working with students with disabilities. They are available online under Resources for Educators and Parents.

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