Books on the Bosque Writing Contes

POSTED: Sunday, August 23, 2026

Get those short stories, essays, and poems ready! The 5th Annual Books on the Bosque entry deadline is Monday, September 21. Writing guidelines are available on the Books page of the website or may be picked up at the BAC.

Roland and Joyce Jones will again be sponsoring the Best of the West Award in the open division. This $1,000 prize goes to the most original work in any category that pays homage to the values of faith, hard work, and perseverance—the Spirit of the West—exemplified in the pioneer days through modern-day ranchers and farmers.

Prizes are $300, $200, & $100 for first through third in each category (poetry, short story, and creative nonfiction essay) in the open division. The high school division has cash prizes of $275, $150, and $75 in the categories of poetry and prose (fiction or nonfiction).

The fee is $15 per entry.

Award winners will be announced at the writing conference scheduled for November 14. We had great feedback about our mini-workshops last year and plan to have enlightening and encouraging sessions again this year. Whether you want to craft short stories, poetry, or just something to leave your grandchildren, we hope you’ll join us in November to celebrate the written word.~DE

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