The Nature of Words is accepting entries in fiction, poetry, literary nonfiction, and nature writing for the 2011 Rising Star Creative Writing Competition! This event is a great opportunity for emerging authors.

It is open to writers in three age categories (15-18, 19-24, and 25+) who have not previously published a book or chapbook. All entries must be previously unpublished

Poets may submit up to two poems equaling four single-spaced manuscript pages in length, and prose writers may submit one double-spaced piece — per genre — of no more than 3,000 words.

The author’s name, mailing address, phone number, email address, genre of submission, age category, and word count must appear on a cover letter included with the submission. Entries should additionally be accompanied by a short biographical statement including information about the author and her/his interest in writing.

For more information, visit www.thenatureofwords.org, email [email protected], or call 541.647.2233.

Winners will be honored at the Rising Star Creative Writing Competition Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, and will feature readings of winning entries, presentation of trophies, and remarks by competition judges. A reception will follow the ceremony.

All young writers (and, for that matter, those no longer so young) should feel encouraged to participate in this event. There’s a first time for publishing, as the saying goes. Who knows? Maybe that time is now!

Deadline: June 10, 2011.