1st prize — $100
2nd prize — $50
3rd prize — $25

Looking for essays dealing with matters of culture, race, and/or a sense of place, either within the smaller microcosm of self-identity or within the larger environment of family, society, and world interactions. Essays in the traditional form, the definition being the conscious shaping of nonfiction prose around a central idea or subject. Winners and finalists are invited but not required to read at the annual televised Soul-Making Literary Prize Award Readings at the Koret Auditorium in San Francisco in March 2010. This contest, open to both men and women, is sponsored by the San Francisco branch of The National League of American Pen Women. It was created to encourage, support, and validate a diversity of creative expressions and honor all others who do the same.

Deadline: November 30, 2009 (Postmarked) All prose works must be typed, double-spaced, page-numbered, and paper-clipped. Please indicate word count on title page (not to exceed 6,000 words; bibliography or works cited not included in word count).

Do not put your names on your manuscripts, instead, enclose one 3×5 card typed, affixed with a printed label or carefully printed with your name, address, phone, fax, email, and title(s) of work(s) and particular category entered.

Category must be indicated on 3×5 card as well as on manuscript. You may enter as many categories and as many times as you wish but you may not enter the same work in more than one category.

Previously published works okay; however, those winning awards in prior Soul-Making competitions may not be resubmitted. No tear-sheets or photocopies of book pages. No colored paper, hard to read fancy fonts, illustrations or graphics, please. No mss will be returned; no substitutions or revisions of work will be accepted after initial submission. Judge: Tara L. Masih

Please enclose $5 per entry
payable to NLAPW, Nob Hill Branch.US $ only.
International entrants please send Travelers Check
drawn on a USA bank

Send entries to:
The Webhallow House
1544 Sweetwood Drive, Daly City/Colma, CA 94015-2029
No e-mail entries or those mailed special delivery, certified or registered will be accepted. Do enclose SASE in your entry package if you wish to receive contest results. More info at www.soulmakingcontest.us.