Book Bonanza kicks off sixth year

MAT-SU -- The sixth-annual Book Bonanza is gearing up for its yearly literary gathering next month with the theme "Discover Treasure Troves in Books."

Writers and artists are invited to submit entries for two separate competitions -- one in treasure-map making and one in poetry. Winners will be announced by local mayors from Palmer, Wasilla, Houston and the Mat-Su Borough at festivities in the Cottonwood Creek Mall on Oct. 23.

The bonanza first started when a group of local children's book writers began meeting to read and critique each other's work several years ago.

Since then, the Book Bonanza has only grown in popularity. This year's event includes stories by several professional storytellers, as well as a dance performance by the Burchell High School dancers.

Local writers will also be on hand to sell and sign books and talk with young writers about their profession.

Audrey Leighton helped coordinate this year's event.

"We have grown," Leighton said. "Last year hundreds and hundreds of poems came in from all over the state. That was an unusually heavy number. We were pleased, but the committee was very busy."

Leighton said the event is important for Alaskan writers, both young and old.

"We needed someplace where local authors could showcase their work," Leighton said. "We want the community to know that there are a number of strong writers in Alaska. People right next door to them could be a writer."

The map contest is for grades kindergarten through high school, with each map showing how to find a treasure in a story.

Entries are restricted to 8.5 by 11 inches or smaller and must be submitted no later than Oct. 16. All submissions must include the entrant's name, phone number, home address, school, grade and teacher's name. First-place winners in four age categories -- second grade and younger, grades 3-5, middle school and high school -- will receive an award and a cash prize.

Maps will only be considered if they are hand drawn or made from collages and other media. No computer-generated submissions will be considered.

The poetry contest is open to people of all ages and all styles of poetry. Each submission will be judged based on the theme "Discover Treasure Troves in Books," as well as how the poem communicates a feeling.

Spelling and grammar will also count ,and all poems should be typed or printed, no cursive writing. Multiple submissions are welcomed but all poems must be mailed by Oct. 8.

Poetry awards and cash prizes will also be given to first-place winners in five different age groups -- adult, high school, middle school, grades 3-5, and grades K-2. After the winners are announced, they will have the opportunity to read their poems.

While the poetry reading is not mandatory, Leighton said most poets enjoy the chance to read publicly.

"Even our little guys read their own poems," Leighton said.

The bonanza is still seeking more authors and literary people who would like to participate in this year's events.

All submissions, both maps and poems, should be sent to 567 Westcove Dr., Wasilla, AK 99654. For more information call 373-6994 or send an e-mail to jobson@gci.net.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.