October is Creative Writing Month in the Department of English, and they're taking submissions for poetry and prose that will fit on a face mask. They’re particularly interested in creative work that is thematically or structurally relevant to masks, pandemics, physical space and more.
Work you submit should be legible from a distance of six feet, fit on a mask, and be no more than 350 characters – but if illegibility is part of the creative expression, please make note of that (along with noting any other key typographic and style elements). However, for the most part, indulge your creativity as you consider the parameters and possibilities of your canvas.
Use this form to submit a poem, short work of fiction or creative nonfiction. You can upload your piece as a Word document, image, or PowerPoint slide. If you have notes about publication (such as intentional illegibility, key typographic elements, or style details), include them in the Notes & Comments box.
The English Department will select their favorites and post the poetry and prose on their website, and will also select winning pieces that will have been made into masks for the winners. Winners will be announced around Halloween, and they will feature submitted works throughout October.
Emily Danforth, author of the new novel Plain Bad Heroines (releasing Oct 20) and The Miseducation of Cameron Post, will be the contest's final judge.