Call for Writers — Missy Lane’s Block Party Literary Arts Showcase
Your Words. Our Stage. Durham’s Story.
Missy Lane’s Block Party celebrates more than music — it’s about the voices, stories, and creativity that shape our community. For October 4, 2025, we’re inviting students from grade school through college to submit original literary works for our Literary Arts Showcase.
Your work could be featured during a special reading or display at the award-winning Durham County Main Library on the morning of the Block Party.
What We’re Looking For
Poetry — spoken word, free verse, or traditional forms
Short Stories — fiction or creative nonfiction
Personal Essays — reflections, cultural narratives, and community stories
Other Literary Forms — microfiction, hybrid works, or anything that blends word and art
Theme
Works should capture the spirit of community, creativity, and culture in Durham — or tell a story that inspires connection and pride.
Who Can Enter
Students in K–12 and college/university (including community colleges)
All experience levels welcome — whether it’s your first time sharing or your hundredth
Prizes & Recognition
Selected works will be read aloud or displayed during the 2025 Block Party
Authors will be recognized publicly at the event
A prize package for top selections (details to be announced)
Submission Details
Word count:
Poetry: up to 2 pages
Short stories/essays: up to 1,500 words
Submit as a PDF or Word document
Complete the form below or email entries to MissyLanesPrograms@gmail.com with:
Your name, age, school, and grade/year
Your literary work as an attachment
A brief statement about your inspiration