Creative Writing Contest

1. All divisions are open to both Grange members and non-members who are sponsored by a Subordinate Grange. Label the back of entry with creator’s name, Grange or sponsoring-Grange, Junior age category (if applicable).

a. Poetry - The poem must have at least 4 lines in each stanza, with a minimum of 4 stanzas and a maximum of 8 stanzas. Criteria for judging: theme, creativity, composition 2018 – Topic: “Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning” OR….. “How I Love to Get Up in the Morning” For Juniors: 2018 -Entries may be any poem on the subject of “What Makes Me Happy” with a minimum of 8 lines and a maximum of 12 lines in length.

b. Essay – The prescribed page limits are no more than three 8 ½” X 11” pages, double spaced. Criteria for judging: depiction of theme, supporting details, organization, word choice.

2018 topic is “A Visit to ______” (Fill in the blank)

For Juniors: The prescribed page limit is a minimum of one 8 ½ by 11 page, double spaced.

2018 topic is “Fun in the Snow”

c. Complete Program ANYONE may create a complete program on any topic. Criteria for judging: creativity, interesting theme-related material, varied components to engage the audience. 1) Must be your original work (gather information and put it in your own words) 2) Be mindful of copyrighted material (give credit appropriately when using a poem, quote, etc.) 3) Include all elements of RIME (in any order)  Recreation (games, jokes, activity, humorous skit, exercise, etc.)  Inspiration (uplifting poems, stories, speakers, quotations, etc.)  Music (can be sung, instrumental, recorded, etc.)  Education (factual or informative material, speakers, visual presentations, etc.) 4) Must be 20 – 35 minutes in length

d. Create-a-Recipe – Include a minimum of 8 ingredients and a minimum of 6 steps for preparation. Criteria for judging: depiction of theme, creativity, organization . 2018 topic is “Recipe for My Vision for the Grange” OR ….. “Recipe for Tomorrow’s World”

For Juniors: Include a minimum of 5 ingredients and a minimum of 3 steps for preparation.

2018 topic is “Recipe for Winning a _____ Game” (Fill in the blank with one of these or one of your own …..the name of a sport, board game, card game) e. Create-a-Card – Size of cards will be no larger than 5 ½ x 8 ½. One card per category per person. Must be made by person submitting the card. Criteria for judging: Creativity, Composition, and Eye Appeal. Categories: 1) Handmade (drawn by hand or cut and pasted with materials found in the home rather than commercially prepared) 2) Computer-generated (must be your own design) 3) Hand-stamped and/or decorated (with materials from craft stores)

Classes for 2018: a) Thank You; b) Baby; c) Anniversary

For Juniors ~ 2018: a) Birthday; b) Halloween; c) Mother’s Day