Two college-sponsored writing contests are open to enrolled undergraduate students: the Lowell-Grabill Creative Writing Contest and the James G. Jameson Critical Essay Contest.
Lowell-Grabill Creative Writing Contest
Each year registered undergraduate Wheaton College students may submit fiction, poetry or non-fiction to the Lowell-Grabill Creative Writing Contest. The contest's recent judges include David Madden, Scott Cairns, Etta Worthington and Susan Bergman, Susanna Childress, Ramona Tucker, Vinita Hampton Wright and Cathleen Falsani.
Submission Guidelines
You must be a regularly enrolled undergraduate Wheaton student.
You must submit two title pages. One should include only the title of the poem, essay, or story; the other should include the title plus your name, CPO, and local phone number.
Your name should not appear anywhere on the manuscript itself.
You may enter in all three categories, but within each category the limits are:
- Fiction: One story; 8,000 words or less
- Creative Non-fiction: One essay; 8,000 words or less
- Poetry: Three poems
Manuscripts should be submitted to the Academic Coordinator of the English Department by the posted deadline.
James G. Jameson Critical Essay Contest
The James G. Jameson Critical Essay Contest was established over a decade ago to encourage Wheaton students to engage in Christian scholarship across the liberal arts disciplines. Each year students receive awards for the most outstanding essay at the Freshman/Sophomore level and at the Junior/Senior level. The Jameson Essay Contest is usually held during the Spring semester. Check the Broadcaster and posted announcements on campus and the English Department for the contest dates and deadlines. Questions? Call the English Academic Coordinator at ext. 5051.
Awards
1st place - $1,000
2nd place - $500
3rd place - $250
(Awards may be incorporated into already existing financial aid. Consult the Financial Aid Office for information.)
Submission Requirements
Each essay submitted must . . .
- be written in English, five to fifteen pages in length.
- demonstrate critical thinking on a subject within any academic field.
- exhibit a distinctly Christian perspective in relation to the subject matter.
- subscribe to the following format specifications: 12-point font; 1" margins; double-spaced throughout; title at the top of the first page of text.
- follow APA, MLA, or other recognized, discipline-specific documentation.
Each contestant must . . .
- fill out an entry form (available from the English Department once the contest is announced).
- print two copies of the essay with your Student ID# above the title. No name!
- attach the entry form to the two essay copies with a paper clip.
- submit the entry form and essay copies to the Academic Coordinator of the English Department.
- meet all of the above requirements by the deadline (specific date will be announced by contest director.)