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Book club supports Faulkner Literary Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 11:14 GMT by Daily Journal
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New Albany Book Club Champions the Faulkner Literary Competition

In a spirited display of community support for the arts, the New Albany Book Club has taken up the mantle of promoter and volunteer for the annual Faulkner Literary Competition. The competition, which has been a staple of regional literary culture for over a decade, invites students, writers, and emerging voices to submit short stories, essays, and poetry for consideration. The local book club’s involvement underscores its commitment to nurturing literary talent and fostering a vibrant reading culture within the community.

What the Faulkner Literary Competition Is All About

Organized by the Faulkner University Creative Writing Department, the Faulkner Literary Competition is an open call that welcomes submissions from high‑school, college, and university students across the state. Each year, the competition offers a range of categories—including fiction, non‑fiction, poetry, and scriptwriting—capped at a maximum of 4,000 words per entry. Participants are encouraged to explore a wide array of themes, from social justice and environmental stewardship to personal memoirs and speculative fiction.

The competition is judged by a distinguished panel of writers, educators, and literary professionals, including local authors who frequently appear in regional literary journals. In 2024, the panel consisted of former Faulkner alumni and resident writers such as Mary L. Thompson, the editor of The Albany Review, and James R. Kline, a Pulitzer‑prize‑winning novelist now based in Nashville.

“The Faulkner Competition has always been a beacon for young writers in our region,” said Dr. Alicia Reyes, coordinator for the competition. “It provides a platform for fresh voices, and the recognition can launch careers. That’s why the community’s support is vital.”

Why New Albany Book Club Is Involved

The New Albany Book Club, founded in 2013 by a group of local teachers and librarians, has long been active in championing literary arts. By sponsoring the Faulkner competition this year, the club has taken a multi‑faceted approach:

1. Fundraising: The book club organized a charity book sale in October, with proceeds earmarked for the competition’s entry fees and travel stipends for finalists. The event, which saw over 300 participants, raised $4,500, a record for the club.

2. Outreach and Promotion: Members of the book club have been actively posting the competition details on their social media channels, and have sent informational packets to local high‑school English teachers. Their efforts have resulted in a 25% increase in first‑time participants compared to the previous year.

3. Volunteer Support: The club’s volunteer team has been on hand to assist with the selection process, helping to sort submissions, flag plagiarism, and prepare preliminary scores for the judges. This role not only reduces administrative burdens but also ensures the integrity of the judging process.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of something that gives students a chance to have their voices heard,” said Jenna Brooks, chair of the New Albany Book Club. “It’s a win-win; the writers get visibility and support, and the community gains fresh, diverse stories that reflect our own experiences.”

How to Submit

The competition remains open until Monday, January 29, 2025. Applicants must submit their manuscripts electronically via the competition’s portal on the Faulkner University website. The portal requires the following information:

• Full name and contact information of the author
• Title of the submission
• A brief synopsis (up to 250 words)
• The manuscript in PDF or Word format, with a clear file name

In addition, applicants must provide a statement of intent—a 1–2 page essay detailing why they are entering the competition, what they hope to achieve, and how their writing reflects their personal or cultural experience. The statement must be submitted alongside the manuscript. The portal also offers a “submit an entry” button, where all materials can be uploaded in one go.

Entry Fees and Discounts

• Standard entry fee: $15 per manuscript
• Discounted fee: $7.50 for students with proof of enrollment
• Waivers are available for students with demonstrated financial hardship; applicants must submit a brief explanation of their circumstances along with the manuscript.

Prizes and Recognition

The Faulkner Literary Competition offers a tiered prize structure:

• First Place: $1,500 and publication in the Faulkner Journal, a quarterly literary magazine distributed nationally.
• Second Place: $750 and a feature interview with the competition’s director, Dr. Reyes.
• Third Place: $500 and a commemorative plaque.
• Honorable Mentions: Certificates of recognition for the top 10 additional entries.

In addition to monetary awards, all finalists will receive a signed copy of the Faulkner Journal and an invitation to the award ceremony held at Faulkner University’s downtown campus on April 5, 2025.

The Impact of Community Engagement

According to Dr. Reyes, community involvement is crucial to the competition’s sustainability. “When groups like the New Albany Book Club step forward, they help create a robust ecosystem that nurtures young writers,” she said. “The financial support, outreach, and volunteer services are all indispensable.”

Local schools report that the competition’s increased visibility has already begun to shape curriculum decisions. “We’re incorporating more creative writing assignments because we see our students’ works being recognized,” said Angela Martinez, English teacher at Central High School. “It motivates students to take writing seriously.”

The Faulkner competition also collaborates with the American Library Association and the National Writing Project to ensure that the award recipients receive mentorship and professional development opportunities, further extending the competition’s impact beyond the initial prize.

Looking Ahead

As the submission deadline approaches, the New Albany Book Club continues its efforts to raise awareness and support. The club plans to host a webinar titled “Writing for Competition: Tips and Tricks” on February 5, 2025, where experienced writers will provide guidance on structuring narratives, developing voice, and navigating submission guidelines.

For those looking to participate, the competition portal can be accessed at [ Faulkner Literary Competition ]. All relevant details—including a downloadable application packet, FAQs, and a list of judges—are available on the site.

Final Thoughts

The partnership between the New Albany Book Club and the Faulkner Literary Competition exemplifies how community organizations can amplify literary arts, providing tangible opportunities for emerging writers. By combining fundraising, outreach, and volunteerism, the book club has not only bolstered the competition’s resources but has also amplified its reach, ensuring that diverse voices continue to flourish.

Whether you’re an aspiring author seeking to showcase your work or a community member looking to support the next generation of storytellers, the Faulkner Literary Competition—backed by the enthusiastic New Albany Book Club—offers an accessible, rewarding avenue for creative expression.

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