Enter the Inaugural Poetry Contest
In the City magazine and the Department of Education, Arts & Culture, in partnership with the Chattanooga Writers Guild, invites you to enter the Inaugural Poetry Contest.

The top this year is "The Rebirth of Chattanooga." Suggested topics include Chattanooga focal points such as: sculptures, public art, buildings/unique architecture, parks, the river, waterfront, etc.

All entries will be judged by an independent judge, selected by the Chattanooga Writers Guild. The top three poems will be printed in the May issue of In the City. 1st place will be $100, 2nd place will be awarded $50 and 3rd place wins $25.

All submissions must be original. 250 words or less and typed in either 10 point times or verdana font. There is no submission fee. Submission must also include photograph of the focal point referred to in the poem. Only one entry per person. The contest is open to ages 16 and above.

Deadline for submitting entries is March 31, 2008. Entries can be mailed to:
Poetry Contest: P. O. Box 3087; Chattanooga TN 37404

Entrants will maintain all rights to their works, but in the City and its affiliates will have the rights to publish any and all entrants. For more information contact Laurie Shipley EAC's Director of Development and Marketing 423-425-7826.

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We encourage you to enter this contest.

* Anyone over 16 years old can enter [even you]
* There is NO ENTRY FEE
* You do have to include a photo of the topic. You do not physically have to take the photo, you could get it off the Internet, out of a magazine or elsewhere.
* Don't put you name on the same page as the poem, but attach contact information on a separate page.

Since it is the goal of the Chattanooga Writers Guild to motivate others to hone their craft of writing we have listed below some web sites where you might be able to get some ideas of topics that will inspire your submission.
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City of Chattanooga's Website --- Great location to find ideas -- don't forget the left side of their screen.

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Outdoor Sculpture in Chattanooga --- This sites lists some but not all of the outdoor sculptures in Chattanooga
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Outdoor Chattanooga -- A short video that promotes Outdoor Chattanooga [you will need Broadband]
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Saved Buildings in Chattanooga -- A list of buildings/areas saved in Chattanooga
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Video Interview of Bill McKibben -- Short video put out by the Benwood Foundation that might inspire you. This is a short interview with Bill McKibben, former staff writer for The New Yorker and one of the earliest voices for change in civic quality life.