Peter Rollins’ Parable Writing Competition
The following is an announcement from Peter Rollins regarding his Parable Writing Competition. His new book, The Orthodox Heretic, just came out. I haven’t read it yet - still waiting for my copy to arrive…
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To mark the US release of my latest book, Paraclete is running a writing competition. The idea is to get you, yes you, to write a parable dealing with pretty much anything. It should ideally be between 100 and 1000 words in length. Oh, and you can enter as many times as you like.
First prize is a beautiful limited edition print entitled ‘New Life‘ by the artist Jared Robinson (Jared is currently collaborating with me to create work inspired by my writings). You will also receive $100 worth of Paraclete books of your choice and the adoration of your friends and family.
Second and third prize will receive $50 worth of Paraclete books, and our eternal gratitude for your enthusiastic participation!
My desire in running this competition is to help people rediscover the importance and power of parable. So, if you attend a writing circle, church community, youth group etc. you might want to take some time to explore the theme of parables (suggested reading below) and then encourage everyone to write one.
So what are you waiting for? Send your entries to Carol Showalter (cshowalter@paracletepress.com), no later than August 1, 2009.
The entries will be judged by myself and the winners announced on September 1, 2009 both here and at Paraclete Press.
Tips:
A parable can be loosely described as a short, fictional narrative that draws the reader into an insight concerning some aspect of faith and life. Parables often work best when they challenge commonly held attitudes and unmask the poverty of some widely held value. Parables are generally structured in a very simple and stark way, with a narrative that avoids any unnecessary detail that may detract from the central, evocative message.
Some books, apart from my own, that might help get you in the mood include:
The Song of the Bird, by Anthony DeMello
The Parables of Kierkegaard, edited by Thomas C. Oden
