South Africa Women’s Writing project, Perfectly Imperfect – Submissions close 30/9/13

The POWA (People Opposed to Woman Abuse) Writing Project started out as a once off Women’s writing competition in 2005 to celebrate POWA’s 25th anniversary.   From this beginning the competition evolved to become a multi faceted project drawing high quality submissions.  The project has been a springboard for many writers where they have grown as individuals and in their talent.

I was delighted when my poem ‘Dreaming of Living’ won 2nd place in the poetry category and the title was chosen as the title for the resulting anthology.  My personal essay ‘Option Y’ was also printed in the book.  My poem ‘Circus’ was published in the 2009 anthology.

 

 

In 2008 it was decided that running a competition clashed with the values of POWA as they did not feel comfortable pitting women against one another.   Each year a theme is set, submissions are called for and selected work is published in an anthology.  The categories are poetry, short stories and personal essays.  Writing is a powerful medium and one which has the power to transform both reader and writer.  A negative experience can lead to a positive mindshift when it is worked through and transformed into a work of art. 

This year the theme is ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ which I’m sure will result in colourful, diverse and inspiring works.  The closing date for submissions is 30 Sept 2013 not 31 July as reflected on the website which needs some updating.  Have a look at the link to the web site.  If you would like me to e-mail you the submission form leave a comment below and I will pick up your e-mail address from there.

This year a mentorship programme is also running and workshops will be held in each province.  I am honoured to have been invited to work as a mentor and will be at the Johannesburg workshop next week Monday and Tuesday.  If you or anyone you know would like to take part in this let me know. 

Writing heals, uplifts and brings humanity closer as a community.  I am grateful to POWA for creating this exciting platform and look forward to the workshops.  Unfortunately the mentors cannot submit work but I am very excited about working with other writers and I know that I will be enriched through this creative process.