January 15, 2010, is the deadline for submissions for the fifth annual "Canis Latrin (The Coyote) Writing Contest" associated with WC's annual spring book festival Books 'n Authors 'n All That Jazz.

"We have always had such great response to this contest, and we wanted to give our writers plenty of time to be aware of the contest and to, well, write," said Rae Wooten, WC library acquisitions coordinator and co-organizer of the contest. "We have made a few changes to the contest this year - no theme this time 'round, and we have increased the maximum size - many writers last year told us they needed 'just a few more paragraphs,' so we're happy to oblige."

Once again held in conjunction with Books 'n Authors 'n All That Jazz - the eighth annual event is scheduled for April 24, 2010 - the contest winners will be announced in a special afternoon awards program in the WC Marjorie Black Alkek Fine Arts Building. Writers will be recognized, presented certificates and given the opportunity to read their work to an audience. Additionally, each entrant will receive a complimentary copy of the Canis Latrin Anthology, the published edition of selected entries in the contest. Three $100 cash prizes will be awarded to the top writers in each of the categories.

Underwritten by local romance author and WC alumna Lori Wilde, whose work includes more than 50 published books, the cash prizes seem to be an extra incentive for entrants every year, Wooten said, and to honor Wilde's support of the writing contest, an additional award will be presented.

"We are happy to continue for the second year the LORI WILDE WC ALUMNUS FICTION AWARD," said Wooten. "This will be an additional $100 prize to a writer whose work Lori Wilde will select herself. Weatherford College is proud of Lori's many writing awards, including recognition by the National Book Awards, and is honored to establish this prize in her name."

Deadline for submissions is Midnight, January 15, 2010. There is no submission fee; entry is free. Original pieces in the following categories may be submitted by e-mail or postal mail, following specific guidelines: 1.) Poetry, up to five pages; 2.) Short Fiction, up to 5,500 words; and 3.) Creative Non-Fiction, up to 5,500 words.

Entries must be double-spaced and in 12-point Times New Roman type. Submissions should be e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , one entry per e-mail. Additionally, entry must be in the form of an attachment and in MS-WORD format. (NO Microsoft Works, etc.). All information that is required on the entry form MUST be included in the e-mail content. Entries also may be mailed, and multiple submissions may be mailed in the same envelope, but each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form. Each entry must have a cover sheet with the work's title and author's name. The author's name must NOT appear on any other pages, and pages must be numbered. Mail submissions to "Writing Contest," c/o Rae Wooten, Weatherford College, 225 College Park Dr., Weatherford, TX 76086.

Though there is no age restriction, most submissions are by adults.

"However, we would welcome, of course, entries from high school or college students," said Wooten.

More information and the entry form are on the WC Web site at www.wc.edu. Also, interested persons may contact Wooten at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 817-598-6456.

"We have had such good work submitted in previous years," said Wooten. "And I am excited to see what our talented writers have in store for us this year. We would like to encourage everyone to enter."