PRIMARY (ages 7-10)
Write a mystery story using the following first sentence from The Malted Falcon by Bruce Hale:

“When my morning began with a lumpy bully, a fire, a mysterious stranger, and a cootie attack— all by recess—I knew it would be one of those days...”

YOUTH (ages 11-16)
ADULT (ages 17 and up)
Write a mystery story using the following sentence from The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett:

“A telephone-bell rang in darkness. When it had rung three times bed-springs creaked, fingers fumbled on wood, something small and hard thudded on a carpeted floor, the springs creaked again, and a man’s voice said…”

OFFICIAL RULES

Contest Opens: February 26, 2010
Contest Closes: March 19, 2010
  1. Entries must be received no later than 5pm on Friday, March 19th, 2010 at the Sheldon Museum or the Klukwan Community Library.
  2. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 2nd, 2010 at the Big Read Final Event at the Sheldon Museum.
  3. Writing Contest is open to all residing in the Haines Borough and has been divided into three age divisions:
    • Primary (ages 7-10)
    • Youth (ages 11-16)
    • Adult (ages 17 and up)
  4. All entries must be the writer’s original work and unpublished.
     
  5. Each writer is allowed to submit only one entry.
  6. The story must be be between 400 and 800 words for Primary entries, and 800 to 1500 words for Youth and Adult entries.
  7. All entries must be typed on 8 ½” x 11” paper, double-spaced, with 1” margins. Use plain fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial in 12 point. Page number and story title should appear centered on the bottom of each page. THE CONTESTANT'S NAME SHOULD NOT APPEAR ANYWHERE ON THE MANUSCRIPT.
  8. On a separate cover sheet, list the following:
    Division Entry (Primary, Youth, or Adult)
    Title of the work
    Contestant’s name
    Mailing Address
    Home phone number
    # of pages & # of words
  9. Submit three copies of the entry for judging in a single 9”x12” envelope with a cover sheet. Stories will not be returned. Entries with postage due will be rejected.
  10. Entries can be dropped off at the Sheldon Museum or the Klukwan Community Library no later than 5pm on Friday, March 19th, 2010 or mail via the United States Postal Service.

MAIL ENTRIES TO:
Kathyrn Friedle,
Maltese Falcon Writing Contest
Sheldon Museum
PO Box 269
Haines, Alaska 99827

PRIZES

Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in each division. First place for Primary and Youth will be $20 with second place $10. First place for Adult will be $50 with second place $25.

QUESTIONS?

Email Kathyrn Friedle or the Sheldon Museum at 766-2366.

THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!


[Home] [General Information ] [Special Events] [Collections & Exhibits]
[Museum Store ] [Historical Vignettes ] [Contact Us]

Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center, Inc.
Box 269, Haines, AK
99827 - Phone: (907) 766-2366
museumdirector@aptalaska.net