Brainerd Writers Alliance Encouragement Support Opportunity
Summer Picnic is Just Around the Corner!
Well, summer's here again and that means our BWA picnic is coming fast. This year we'll be at the Crow Wing State Park picnic shelter, site of at least two previous great outings. Mark your calendars for July 17th so you can come early and stay late. We'll start at 10 AM with a read / critique meeting, followed by lunch at approximately noon. After that, relax or sing along to music supplied by Dan Lund and his guitar. A bit later, enjoy a tour of historic Crow Wing. The picnic shelter will be available for our use until 7 PM. As we've done before, you should enter the park, stop at the office, mention that you are attending the BWA picnic and obtain a complimentary day pass. Please follow whatever instructions park staff gives for the proper placement of that pass on your vehicle. They do check vehicles for passes during the day!
BWA provides the following:
hot dogs / burgers done on a gas grill
buns and basic condiments (if you're into exotic toppings, please bring your own)
bottled water
assorted soda / diet soda
picnic plates / tableware / napkins / paper towels
Picnickers should bring:
a dish (or two if you'd like) to share - casserole / salad / dessert / snacks for later
beverages if you wish something other than what BWA supplies
lawn chair for outdoor relaxation (picnic tables available in the shelter)
bug spray (I will fog the area around the picnic shelter in the morning, but just in case)
Picnic Agenda 10 AM - Monthly Critique Meeting Noon - Picnic Luncheon 1 PM - Rest, relax and sing along if you like following lunch with Mr. Dan Lund and his guitar 2 PM - A History Tour of Crow Wing State Park (walk or drive / ride)
Stay as late as you like!
2010 Writing Contest Dates Upcoming
The BWA Writing Contest for 2010 will begin accepting submissions on June 15. Please return to this website for further details, which will be available here by the end of the day on June 8. Basically, the contest will be as usual, with entries in the following categories:
Short Fiction
Creative Nonfiction / Memoir
Essay
Poetry
Entry fee is $15, which includes BWA membership and admission to the October workshop. Entrants may submit a maximum of one work in each of the prose categories and up to three poems. All work submitted should be non- published and not previously awarded in another contest. Also, each piece should be its own work and not a part of a larger work.
We will name a qualified judge for each category. Judges will read and evaluate entries in their category without being made aware of any information about the contestant. First prize winners in each category receive a $50 award, while second-place winners receive $25 each. Judges may name honorable mention winners at their discretion. Honorable mention winners receive placement in BWA award lists, but do not receive a cash award. All awarded writers are invited to read their work at the October 2 BWA Workshop / Awards Program held in the lecture hall at Central Lakes College.