A changing world

A Changing World – A creative writing competition for all first-year students.

The Danish Association of Teachers of English (DATE) will in cooperation with the Danish National Centre for Foreign Languages (NCFF) host a competition in creative writing.

The competition will take place in March 2023 with exciting prizes for the best contributions.

 

The Prompt

Write a poem or short story that reveals and explores how the world is changing by showing the effect of big changes on places and spaces, relationships and self, and on society in an imaginative way.

 

The Theme

  • Aspects of The New

    • Faster Technology, Entertainment Trends, Communication Media, Outer Space for Everyone, SARS-COVID-19, Climate Change, War in Europe, Permaculture, The Energy Crisis, Sustainability, Global Economic Crisis, Work & School from Home, Brand Marketing, Re-earthing Urban Design, International, Youth Forums, Words we use to describe it all

  • Aspects of The World

    • Spaces – virtual & IRL, Natural & Human-made Places, Locality, Relocation

    • Selves – virtual & IRL Personal Identity, Representation, Well-being, Growth

    • Society – virtual & IRL Family, Culture, Group Affiliation, Power, Progress

  • Examples of Change

    • Experiencing the New & Dealing with the Old

    • Ways of Meeting & Ways of Parting

    • Discovery & Loss

    • Catastrophe & Invention

    • Expectations & Surprises

    • Finding Strength Within & from Other Sources

 

The Contest

  • Writers will submit a new, original story or poem addressing the theme of A Changing World

  • Winners will be chosen in two tracks: Fiction & Poetry

 

Contest Tracks

FICTION

POETRY

  • One short story

  • 1500-3500 words

  • Main Character from the writer’s generation

  • uEvidence of the changing world is shown through writer’s use of character development, setting transformation, and plot action

  • One poem

  • Any form

  • Maximum length: 3 pages

  • uEvidence of the changing world is experienced through writer’s use of imagery, sound, rhythmic & lyrical elements

 

Participants

Students can participate alone or in groups. It is possible to enter more than one student/group from the same class.

Prizes

1st prize in both categories: 5000 DKK for class event
2nd prize in both categories: Book gift certificate

 

The Benefit

Engagement in the Creative Writing Process develops a variety of skills:

  • Application & expansion of imagination

  • Organization & clarification of thinking for communication with others

  • Problem-solving ability through seeking alternatives

  • Increased fluency with language

  • Focused expression of opinions & development of individual voice

  • Analysis of the components of literature

    • For example: characterization, framing devices, story structure, theme, genre

 

Timeline

  • 1 March 2023 Submission deadline 

  • June 2023 Contest results returned & published, prizes awarded

 

Submission

  • Eligibility: 1.G and 1. HF students studying English in Danish Gymnasium, as well as EB and IB programs

  • Native speakers of English must identify themselves

  • Writing can be either individual or collaborative

  • Preferred file format: .doc, .docx, .pdf

  • Deadline: midnight Wednesday, 1st of March, 2023

Submit your entry here: https://ncff.dk/til-din-undervisning/ungdomsuddannelser/send-bidrag

 

Judging panel

Amalie Rusborg. Creative writer and teacher South Gate Creative Writing School
Leslie Nielsen. American writer Ohio State University, instructor South Gate Creative Writing School
Trine Bierregaard. English teacher, Viborg Gymnasium, master in the development of writing skills among English students.

 

FAQ

  • The writing can be coupled with other media in assignments, but only the written text can be submitted & judged

  • Detailed feedback will be given to finalists

  • A general feedback summary will be provided to teachers

  • Any additional questions about the prompt can be directed to Trine or Leslie prior to the contest deadline

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