WEST JORDAN -- Let's see . . . how about, "Once upon a time" or "In a galaxy far, far away . . . "
Nah. Maybe, "It was a dark and stormy night . . . " Bag that one, too.Actually, it won't matter how you start off your entry in the West Jordan Arts Council's 1999 Writers Contest if you miss the deadline for entries.
What's really important at this point is that you submit that novel, short story or poem for judging no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, April 1.
Work should be turned in to the administrative offices on the third floor of West Jordan City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Road.
Only residents of West Jordan who are age 18 or older are eligible to compete, and entries are limited to one per person per category.
Here's some basic information on each of the categories:
-- Novels -- There is no limit to the number of pages, but entries must be double-spaced and unbound inside a large manila envelope or manuscript box.
Prize money will be $300 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third.
-- Short Stories -- Entries cannot exceed 20 pages. They must be double-spaced, stapled, bound and placed inside a folder or manila envelope.
Prize money will be $75 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third.
-- Poetry -- Entries are limited to 32 lines, and a collection of shorter poems with a common or similar theme is permissible as long as it doesn't exceed 32 lines. Entries must be stapled or in a folder or manila envelope.
Prize money will be $75 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third.
Authors are not allowed to put their names anywhere on the manuscripts submitted for judging.
The arts council has prepared a cover sheet, available at the city offices, that will include information such as name and address. Those should be filled out and attached to each entry.
Contestants will be hosted at a reception June 26 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, where winners will be announced and prizes awarded.
Entries not picked up at the reception will be available at City Hall through June 30.
Additional contest information is available by phoning the city's administrative offices at 569-5100.