Calling Teen Writers! Deadline for Creative Writing Contest is May 18, 2009 with Exciting Awards Presentation on May 21. Come to Meet the Authors of The Nanny Diaries!

We are excited to announce that we are sponsoring a celebrity author event and creative writing contest for teens. On May 21, Emma McLaughlin and Nicole Kraus, the authors of the best-selling novel The Nanny Diaries, are coming to Greenwich Education & Prep for a special evening for aspiring authors between the ages of thirteen and twenty. They will also act as guest judges for the writing contest, choosing one middle school and one high school winner for excellence in creative short fiction. Each winner will receive a $75 gift certificate from Diane’s Books in Greenwich and will be published in an upcoming literary magazine. The deadline for the writing contest is May 18, 2009; rules and details are below.

The authors’ visit takes place on the heels of the launch of their new book for teens, The Real Real. The Real Real is a satire on the modern concept of “reality stars,” individuals who quickly go from anonymous to famous, seemingly overnight, by starring in a popular reality show. The novel, which is McLaughlin’s and Kraus’ first book for teens, revolves around just such an individual, teenager Jesse O’Rourke. Jesse becomes an instant celebrity thanks to careful scripting and editing by the show’s producers. However, as the lines between TV’s version of “reality” and actual reality start to blur, she struggles to maintain her identity and remember one thing: “The difference between real and the real real.”

This event, which will take place at the Greenwich Water Club at 49 River Road in Cos Cob on May 21st at 7:00 PM, is a rare opportunity for aspiring young authors to listen to and learn from two successful and culturally relevant authors. McLaughlin and Kraus will read from their new book, discuss their creative writing process, and answer students’ questions. As all of you know, many students don’t understand that even talented writers have to work hard to craft a finished piece of writing, to make their ideas come alive in print. We think that it will be inspiring for teens to hear professional writers discuss the challenges and rewards of the writing process. It is our hope that students will come away from this event believing that they have what it takes to be successful and effective writers.

Contest Requirements:
• Contest is open to any middle school or high school student.
• Students should submit a piece of creative fiction of no more than 1,500 words that addresses the question “What is Real?” Successful entries will be original and offer a thoughtful perspective on the writing prompt.
• All stories must be typed and double spaced; finished copies can be emailed to natasa@greenwichedprep.com or mailed to Greenwich Education & Prep, P.O. Box 391, Cos Cob, CT, 06807. Please include writer’s name, age, grade level, address, phone number and email address.
• All entries must be received by Monday, May 18, 2009.
• There will be one middle school winner and one high school winner. After finalists are chosen, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus will select the winning entries; winners will be announced at the event on May 21st. Both winners will receive a $75 gift certificate to Diane’s Books, a family-oriented bookstore that is known for its unique and extensive collection of books for both children and adults. Diane’s Books is located right off of Greenwich Avenue at 8A Grigg Street in Greenwich.

RSVPs for the May 21st event should be emailed to rsvp@greenwichedprep.com no later than Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Teachers and parents are welcome to attend! As seating will be limited, all RSVPs must include the names of all people who will be attending in each party, as well as an email address and phone number for at least one of the party members.

We appreciate your support and look forward to receiving some great submissions by May 18th!

This entry was posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 10:21 pm and is filed under Academic Tutoring. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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