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News Release

06/02/08
Providence Public Library Presents “METAMORPHOSIS” Writing Contest
A summer writing activity for kids 10 to 17

Providence Public Library (PPL) is pleased to present a “METAMORPHOSIS” summer writing contest, based on “The Metamorphosis” by early 20th century writer Franz Kafka. PPL invites young creative writers to use Kafka’s story, about a man who wakes up in bed one morning and finds himself changed into a giant cockroach, to imagine and write about what it would be like to suddenly wake up as another creature.

The contest begins June 23. Deadline for story entries is August 15. First, second, and third-place prizes will be awarded in two age categories: ages 10 – 13 and 14 - 17. Borders Book Store gift certificates of $40, $25 and $15 are the first, second and third place prizes, respectively. Winners will be announced August 29 and published on the Providence Public Library Web site (www.provlib.org). All entries will be judged by Rhode Island Star Wars author Ryder Windham.

To Enter
  1. Pick a creature of your own (it can be anything at all, but not a cockroach) and write YOUR story. Your story must begin with the following sentence:
    When (your name) woke up one morning from a night filled with strange dreams, he/she looked down at him/herself lying in bed and saw that he/she was changed into a (adjective + your chosen creature).
  2. Your “Metamorphosis” story must be at least 100 words and no more than eight pages. It will be judged on how well you use your imagination to tell the story of your new life in the creature’s body. (How would you feel in this creature’s body? What would you look like to yourself? What would you do? Your senses might be changed, so how would the world around you seem different? How would other people, your family for instance, react to you? What would eventually happen to you?)
  3. The story must be submitted after June 23 and received by 6:00 PM August 15, 2008. It may be delivered or mailed to: Rochambeau Branch Library, 708 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906, or sent by email to Tom O’Donnell at: todonnell@provlib.org (write “Writing Contest” on the envelope or in the Subject area). You must include your name, age, phone number, or e-mail address.
Helpful hints to get started

Do research before writing your story. Try to learn as much as you can about your creature first; it will help you imagine living as that creature. Ask your librarian to help you find books about your creature. For more information about this contest, call Tom at 455-8198.

This program is sponsored by The Friends of Rochambeau.

Providence Public Library is committed to providing quality programming on a variety of educational topics. The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Library. We welcome community members to work with us to provide free, thought-provoking events of interest.