WRITE LIKE WILL ROGERS?
ENTER THE CONTEST
Entries are being accepted for the 2008 Will Rogers Writing Contest. This competition, which began in 2006, is open to writers everywhere who are interested in the writings of Will Rogers.
Cash prizes will be awarded for entries that best reflect the Rogers style of writing. The first place winner will receive $200. The prize for second place is $100 and for third place $50. Winners also receive widespread recognition.
To enter the contest, submit an essay of 500 to 750 words (maximum) written in the style of Will Rogers.
If you're not familiar with his writings, go to www.willrogers.com, the Web site of the Will Rogers Memorial Museums.
The essay may take the form of humor, commentary, human interest or briefs. (Please see links to examples below.)
Some entrants in the past have written about Will Rogers. That is not the object of this contest.
Write on a current (or timeless) topic — personalities, social or cultural trends, home and family, government and politics, education, and so on. Will Rogers wrote on many subjects. One, and only one, of Will Rogers’ well-known sayings may be used, if so desired ("All I know is what I read in the papers", "Everybody is ignorant, just on different things", "I don't make jokes, I just watch the government and report the facts", etc.).
Essays must be original, in English and written in strict conformity to the above rules. Entries will not be returned. The writer retains all rights to publication, except that permission must be granted for the winning entries to be printed by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists in its publications and on its Web site, by the Will Rogers Writers' Workshop newsletter and on its Web site, and on the Will Rogers Memorial Museums Web site, with credit to the writer.
Entries must include the writer's name, mailing address and email address. Telephone and fax numbers are optional. This information should be provided on a separate page preceding the entry (to facilitate judging without revealing the identity of the writer). The essay may, or may not, include a title. No more than three essays per entrant will be accepted and each must be a separate entry. There is no entry fee.
Contest entries may be submitted in two ways:
E-mail to: willrogersok@gmail.com
Subject line must include the words "Will Rogers Writing Contest"
Or Mail to: Robert L. Haught, P.O. Box 1582, Madison, VA 22727-1582
Entries must be submitted to reach either of the above addresses no later than October 1, 2008. Winners will be announced by November 1.
Four examples of Will Rogers' writing style (click on to view):