It’s time for another Howe Writing Center contest! This year, HWC consultants ask writers to submit a short work of writing depicting the season of autumn.

There is a catch, though; writers cannot use specific words. The rules of the contest are similar to the popular game Taboo. Writers must refrain from using certain words which are traditionally used to describe the season. The list of taboo words is as follows: Night, Evening, Dusk, Pumpkin, Leaf, Orange, Autumn, Fall, Harvest, Crisp, Spice, Chilly, Death, Dying.

Submissions can be in any print-based genre, including poetry, essays, or short stories, with a maximum of 750 words.

HWC consultants also ask that writers submit a 200-300 word writer’s statement describing the submission, their writing process, the challenges faced, and how they were resolved. Remember, the writer’s statement is just as important as the submission itself!

Contest prizes include the following:

• First-place winner: $100
• Second-place winner: $75
• Third-place winner: $50
• Staff choice winner: $50

Submissions open October 1st and remain open until November 2nd. All Miami writers are encouraged to participate.