KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Professional and amateur writers are being encouraged to submit their work for the annual Jamaica Creative Writing Competition 2014, organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

The deadline for entry is Wednesday, April 30, and forms and guidelines are available at the JCDC’s website www.jcdc.gov.jm or at any JCDC parish office islandwide.   Applicants must also submit three hard copies of their work, along with the completed entry form.

Speech, Drama and Literary Arts Specialist, JCDC, Andrew Brodber, told JIS News that the competition is opened to Jamaicans of all ages.

“We welcome the submission of entries for any theme; there is no limitation, so persons can enter the five genres that we offer, whether it is a play, poem, novel, short story or essay. We really welcome different entries from the different ages,” he said. The competition will receive entries in three classes, namely: Junior (under 12), Intermediate (under 17) and adult (18 and older).

Brodber said there are plans by the JCDC to hold workshops for writers and playwrights later this year.

“There is a need to work with some of our younger playwrights to get them to hone their craft. So, we are in discussion with some of our judges, who have offered themselves to conduct training.  We are going to be opening our doors to train some of our amateur writers,” he added.

Brodber also appealed to young writers to enter the competition, noting that it is an opportunity for their work to be evaluated.

“Most of our top writers came through this channel and we are still here offering what many are unable to offer and that is expert opportunity for persons to know what their work merit,” he said.

Brodber mentioned past awardees from the competition include host of television station TVJ’s programme All Angles, Dionne Jackson-Miller; Poet Laureate Professor Mervyn Morris, and playwright Basil Dawkins.