Cat Writing Contest Offers $12,000 in Prizes!

No, I’m not talking about your CAT writing, but rather about YOU writing on cat-themed topics. C’mon, admit it--who among us hasn’t jotted down the odd kitty poem (in my case, VERY odd)? Cats tend to inspire humans to litter-ary endeavors. And there actually is a place your prose, photos, and broadcasts can compete with other like-minded cat fanciers, garner awards and even some cash. This year, the international Cat Writers’ Association, Inc. (CWA) offers 20 sponsored special awards of $500 to $1,000 as well as its own Muse Medallions to winners in approximately 35 writing and graphic arts categories. The special awards in 2008 cover topics that include veterinary research, health, behavior, nutrition, seniors, kitten care, safety issues, the human-animal bond, humane issues and responsible ownership, plus awards for fiction and new writers. CWA Muse Medallion Several of the authors who write articles posted here at petside.com are award-winning members of CWA. Are you a cat-writing whiz as well? "Our contest showcases the very best in the feline field of professional writers, broadcasters, photographers and graphic artists," says Arden Moore, contest chair. "You don't have to belong to CWA to participate. However, we encourage you to be part of this professional group that strives to improve the lives of cats and serves as a great network of professionals." The contest requires work to have been published or broadcast between June 16, 2007 and June 15, 2008. Categories cover feline-oriented articles and columns, short stories, poetry, books, photography published in magazines, newspapers, newsletters and online and video/audio tapes of broadcast material. Awards will be presented at CWA's annual conference, November 20-23, in Atlanta. Rules and entry forms are available on CWA's website (www.catwriters.org). Seren checking out some of my awards I’ve been fortunate to win a few of the CWA-sponsored awards. While the cash is terrific (writers are notoriously underpaid!), the kudos from colleagues and other pros in the field goes even further. Even better, having one of these awards on your resume actually helps land future writing jobs and launch a career.