The Thomas Paine Writing Contest
Now Open for Submissions
Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, a political pamphlet that became widely circulated after publication in 1776. Paine urged Americans to expand their revolt against British rule. He grafted a detailed logical argument into sermon format, creating a bond with a far-reaching readership, galvanizing the public, and preparing the Colonies for the broad-based uprising to come. Thus, Common Sense inspired the widespread public support necessary for the ignition of the American Revolution.
Through discourse, we explore ideas as far as our imaginations will lead us while championing worthwhile causes. In this spirit, US Represented introduces the Thomas Paine Writing Contest, an endeavor that targets a wide variety of social issues and provides a platform for much-needed public discourse.
Awards:
First Prize: $200
Second Prize: $100
Third Prize: $50
All three prizewinning entries will be featured in a special section of US Represented.
Deadlines:
Opening date for submissions: March 29th, 2013
Closing date for submissions: May 15th, 2013
Who May Submit:
Anyone who wishes to participate in the contest may submit an entry. Each writer may submit only one entry.
Entry Fee and Ownership:
There is no entry fee, and all rights to the work remain the property of the author.
What to Submit:
Your entry should be between 1,500-2,500 words, and it should speak to one of the following nine prompts:
- What is the likelihood of Corporate America spending more time, energy, and money attempting to ensure a strong economic future and quality of life for American citizens, and what does this mean for America’s destiny?
- Explain how social media can become a more useful tool for advancing any or all of the following: education, intelligent public discourse, community action.
- Discuss a meaningful current trend in American music, and be sure to explore the culture surrounding it.
- Choose one conspiracy theory and explain why it’s real and in need of greater public scrutiny.
- How will print media continue to change as a result of the Digital Revolution?
- Discuss one nascent or impending technological innovation that you think will most noticeably alter human behavior.
- What type of writer will be able to earn a living in the Digital Era over the next decade?
- Choose a popular ritual in American culture and examine the function it serves, for better or worse.
- How is online communication redefining gender boundaries?
All entries must be original unpublished works. Plagiarism equals disqualification from the contest. All entries are final, revisions are not accepted, and the judges do not offer feedback.
Texts should be in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, and font should not be boldfaced.
Place your contact information in the top left corner of your entry, to include your name and a contact phone number and email address.
How to Submit:
Please submit your entry as an attached Word document to the following email address:
Place the word ESSAY in the subject box. Include your name, a contact phone number, and your email address in the message box.
Judging and Winner Notification:
Entries will be judged based on content originality and clarity. They must also demonstrate sentence-level proficiency. The judges’ decisions are their own. Winners will be individually notified of the results by phone or email.
