Submissions for Thomas Wolfe student writing competition open through Oct. 8

Press release from Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site:

In anticipation of Thomas Wolfe’s birthday in October, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial invites students and teachers to participate in the 2022 “Telling Our Tales” Student Writing Competition. Thomas Wolfe, while best known for his novels, also wrote many short stories.

In this competition, students will submit their own work of fiction inspired by Thomas Wolfe and his short story “The Return of the Prodigal: The Thing Imagined.” The story first appeared in his last book The Hills Beyond (1941). This tale was written from the perspective of the character Eugene Gant and his mother Eliza Gant, proprietress of the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse. The story imagines Eugene’s arrival home one evening in late October after seven years have passed since his last visit. Wolfe describes various changes in his old neighborhood on his way to his childhood home. Arriving at his mother’s house he rings the bell. When his mother opens the door, she no longer recognizes him.

First, second, and third place winners will be chosen from three age groups: Grades 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Submissions may be hand delivered, postmarked, or emailed by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday October 8th, 2022. Winners will be announced the week of October 25th, 2022. Cash Awards will be given in each age group.
Find the story, competition guidelines, submission form and ideas found on our website with the link: http://wolfememorial.com/for-teachers/student-writing-contest/

For more information about the event contact Thomas Wolfe Memorial, 52 N. Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801, call 828-253-8304 or visit www.wolfememorial.com.