Young Writers Showcase
Do you write poetry or prose, fiction or nonfiction?
If you submit your work, you might have the opportunity to share it at the Young Writers Showcase, sponsored by the Chippewa Valley Book Festival. Chosen writers from each grades 3-8 will read their original work on stage at the Young Writers Read Showcase at the Grand Theatre on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
The Showcase will be divided into two separate parts again this year:
Readers in grades 3, 4, and 5 will read from 1:00-1:40 p.m.
Readers in grades 6, 7 & 8 will read from 2:00-2:40 p.m.
ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY SEPTEMBER 23.
If you have any questions about this program please contact Committee Chair Susan Schwiebert at schwiebert4@gmail.com.
Young Writers Read Showcase Guidelines for Submission:
One submission in each category is accepted per author.
Please keep a copy of your work, as it will not be returned to you.
Readings should be no longer than 3-4 minutes.
Illustrations are welcome but not required.
Credit must be given for ideas inspired by other works. Credit can be a simple statement at the end or beginning of the reading.
Entry form must be signed by your parent or guardian.
Frequently Asked Questions
2022 Young Writers Read Showcase Participants
What is the new optional theme for this year’s writing contest?
2023’s optional theme is: Our beautiful world-the environment affects us all.
We encourage you to enter some of your students’ writing this spring, especially as Earth and Arbor Day can be passionate and motivating topics. Challenge your students to write fiction or poetry connected to our environment. Do not wait until fall to enter!
Who may enter?
The Young Writers Showcase is open to all students in grades 3-8.
How do I submit entries?
You may email your entries to schwiebert4@gmail.com before 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023. You also may drop off your printed entries to one of the following four libraries before library closing on that day: Altoona Public Library, Chippewa Falls Public Library, L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, Menomonie Public Library. Check your selected library for hours. Entries received after this date will not be eligible for judging.
May I submit more than one entry per student?
You may submit one entry in each category (prose, poetry, or nonfiction). Only one entry will be selected for reading at the Showcase. Be sure to attach an entry form to each submission. A parent/guardian must sign the entry form, so please plan ahead.
Are there prizes?
Yes. In addition to the privilege of reading their work at the Young Writers Showcase on October 15th, authors of selected works receive a gift card for Dotters Books. They must be present at the Showcase to receive a gift card.
When are the selected entries announced?
The authors of the chosen entries will be notified the week of September 25th. The names of the students and the titles of their work will also be posted at the libraries’ Youth Services Desks and released to the media.
When and where will the Showcase take place?
The Showcase will take place on October 15th in the Grand Theatre at 102 West Grand Avenue, Eau Claire. There are two separate parts to the Showcase: Part One features selected authors in grades 3-5 and begins at 1 p.m. Part Two features authors in grades 6-8 and begins at 2 p.m. Go to www.cvbookfest.org/showcase for more information and pictures too!
Are the chosen writers required to attend the Showcase on Sunday, October 15th?
No, but we hope the chosen writers can attend the Showcase and read their work, but we understand that it is not always possible. However, you must be present to receive a Dotters gift card.
