Dear Writers,

As the Literary Arts Specialist here at Arts & Museums, I'd like to personally invite you to submit your best work by June 29, 2012 to the Utah Original Writing Competition. With seven categories (novel, creative non-fiction and history, book length collection of poems, juvenile book, poetry, short story and personal essay) the Competition provides a portal for every Utah writer to enter to compete for cash prizes. Click HERE for more information and guidelines. While book-length manuscript submissions are considered "first book" competitions, all writers are welcome to enter the poetry, short story and personal essay categories. Those who have authored a published book may enter a category in which they have not published. Established in 1958, the annual Competition is judged by nationally recognized literary jurors. Many past winners have continued on to significant statewide and national acclaim, bringing recognition and prestige to the Beehive State. The awards are funded in part by the Utah State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. I'd also like to invite you to attend the Mountain West Arts Conference May 3, 2012 at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 West 3100 South, West Valley City, Utah. The state's largest professional development gathering of arts-interested individuals and organizations, the Conference is an excellent opportunity for literary folk to network, share work and inspire one another. Registration for the full conference is only $95 and includes the honors luncheon for the Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Awards, which is scheduled to be presented this year by Governor Gary R. Herbert. Utah's new Poet Laureate will also be presented that day. You can register online at Arts &Museums. I hope that Arts & Museums can be a home for the literary community here in Utah. Feel free to contact me with your questions, concerns or ideas. And, again, I hope that you'll consider submitting your work to the Utah Original Writing Competition.

All the best, David Pace Literary Arts Utah Arts & Museums davidpace@utah.gov 801.533.5760