Announcing the 2025 Eugene Gulish Writing Competition: A Celebration of Tennessee Stories

The 2025 Eugene Gulish Writing Competition, with theme: Voices of Tennessee: A Historical Journey

Sharpen your pencils or fire up your keyboards—the Paris-Henry County Arts Council is thrilled to announce the return of the Eugene Gulish Writing Competition! This beloved annual event invites storytellers of all ages and skill levels to showcase their talents while celebrating Tennessee's rich history and culture.

This year’s theme, “Voices of Tennessee: A Historical Journey,” invites you to explore the vibrant past of the Volunteer State through storytelling, essays, or fiction. Focus on key events, influential figures, or transformative cultural moments to bring Tennessee’s history to life. Whether you’re crafting a tale about a lesser-known historical figure or reflecting on the cultural shifts that shaped the Volunteer State, your voice has a place in this year’s competition.

Submissions are open until Friday, February 21, 2025, and should not exceed 1,500 words. Writers from Paris-Henry County and neighboring counties in Tennessee and Kentucky are welcome to participate. With two divisions—Adult (18+) and Youth (14-17)—and generous cash prizes for the top entries, there’s a place for every writer to shine.

This year’s competition also includes a Judges’ Choice Award for the best overall story, alongside prizes for first, second, and third place in each division. Entries will be judged on plot, structure, character development, setting, and overall writing quality, ensuring a fair and engaging competition.

While submissions are online, we’re excited to announce plans for our first in-person reception where winners will be celebrated and their work recognized. Details will be shared soon, and all entries will be proudly showcased on the Paris-Henry County Arts Council’s website.

Ready to get started? Submit your entry by 11:59 PM on February 21, 2025. Each submission must include the manuscript title, author’s name, permanent address, phone number, and email. Youth participants should also include their parent’s or guardian’s contact information. The provided details will be used to notify winners.

For more information, including submission guidelines, sign up here: www.phcarts.com/writing-competition. We can’t wait to read your stories and see how Tennessee’s history inspires you!