2024 Suzanne Cutler Teen Creative Writing Contest
The Annual Suzanne Cutler Teen Creative Writing Contest is back!
 
Individuals ages 12-18 by August 31, 2024 are invited to create an original short story or poem. 
 
Prizes will be awarded for each type of submission and each age group. 
Winners will receive a published copy of the works submitted. 
 
Submissions are accepted until Sunday, August 4 at 11:59pm
 
 

Programs:
 
 
 
Making and Breaking Poetry
Wednesday, June 19th
7:00-8:00pm
 
Join presenter Hannah Zhang for a four part series designed to help you brainstorm and kickstart your creative writing process this summer. Tonight's workshop will focus on how to begin crafting poetry. Be prepared to write!
 
If you have a preferred writing journal or utensil, please bring it to the program. Paper and pencils will be provided. 
 
Presenter: Hannah Zhang is an RHS alum and current student of Swarthmore College studying Creative Writing and Classics. She has several published pieces of creative writing and has won the The John Russell Hayes Poetry Prize.
 
The Suzanne Cutler Teen Creative Writing Contest and all of the related programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Bernards Township Library.
 
The Art of the Short Story
Wednesday, June 26th
7:00-8:00pm 
 
Join presenter Hannah Zhang for a four part series designed to help you brainstorm and kickstart your creative writing process this summer. Tonight's workshop will focus on how to begin writing a short story. Come prepared to write!
 
If you have a preferred writing journal or utensil, please bring it to the program. Paper and pencils will be provided. 
 
Presenter: Hannah Zhang is an RHS alum and current student of Swarthmore College studying Creative Writing and Classics. She has several published pieces of creative writing and has won the The John Russell Hayes Poetry Prize.

The Suzanne Cutler Teen Creative Writing Contest and all of the related programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Bernards Township Library.
Understanding and Expanding Poetry
Wednesday, July 3rd 
7:00-8:00pm
 
Join presenter Hannah Zhang for a four part series designed to help you brainstorm and kickstart your creative writing process this summer. Tonight's workshop will focus on how to fine tune and enhance the poetry you've started to write. Be prepared to write — and bring along works in progress!
 
If you have a preferred writing journal or utensil, please bring it to the program. Paper and pencils will be provided. 
 
Presenter: Hannah Zhang is an RHS alum and current student of Swarthmore College studying Creative Writing and Classics. She has several published pieces of creative writing and has won the The John Russell Hayes Poetry Prize.

The Suzanne Cutler Teen Creative Writing Contest and all of the related programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Bernards Township Library.
The Art of the Short Story 2: Electric Boogaloo
Wednesday, July 10th
7:00-8:00pm
 
Join presenter Hannah Zhang for a four part series designed to help you brainstorm and kickstart your creative writing process this summer. Tonight's workshop will revisit short stories, with a greater focus on improving and enhancing your skills. Be prepared to write — and bring along works in progress!
 
If you have a preferred writing journal or utensil, please bring it to the program. Paper and pencils will be provided. 
 
Presenter: Hannah Zhang is an RHS alum and current student of Swarthmore College studying Creative Writing and Classics. She has several published pieces of creative writing and has won the The John Russell Hayes Poetry Prize.
 
The Suzanne Cutler Teen Creative Writing Contest and all of the related programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Bernards Township Library.
 
Author Talk: McKenna Graf
Saturday, August 10th
12:30-1:30pm

Join us for a talk from local author McKenna Graf, for a reading from her new poetry collection Mortals, Myths, and Maybes.  A Suzanne Cutler Teen Creative Writing Contest alum, she'll also discuss her journey from the contest to getting her works published professionally, and how she worked to hone her craft while balancing a busy school schedule.
 
Registration is requested. This program is tailored to teens and young adults, but is open to any attendees over 12.
 
The Suzanne Cutler Teen Creative Writing Contest and all of the related programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Bernards Township Library. Participation in the creative writing contest is not a requirement for attending any and all programs.
 
Teen programs are for individuals going into grades 7-12. 
 
For more information about Teen programs, or to register for these programs contact Rachel Talbert, the Teen Services Librarian at rtalbert@bernardslibrary.org 
You can also get more information about Teen happenings at the library at https://www.bernardslibrary.org/teens
 
Follow our Teens' Library Instagram @BTLteens_