Enter the
“Writing the River” Essay
Contest!
The Book Shelf, Winona’s premier independent bookseller, and Sutton Hoo Press, a
literary fine press that specializes in handmade books, invite all area high school-aged
writers to participate in our High School Essay Contest. The contest is part of Winona
State University’s annual Celebration of the Book, a festival promoting the printed word.
PRIZES FOR YOUR PROSE!
There will be two prizes: The Book Shelf Prize will award a $100 gift card, and The
Sutton Hoo Press Prize will award $100 in cash. Winners will be announced at an awards
gathering held at The Book Shelf on April 5th, at 6 pm. Robert Hedin, poet, editor, and
director of the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Red Wing, Minnesota,
will be guest speaker at that event.
Winning essays will be selected based on the writer’s ability to use engaging prose to
logically support a specific thesis with personal experiences. Here are some possible
topics:
 explore your best memory of a river experience and articulate an important insight
gained from the experience.
 narrate your worst river experience and tell what insights you gained from it.
 show how the river specifically shaped your childhood.
 discuss how a certain pollutant has affected a species of wildlife that has particular
meaning to you.
 show how a certain industry supported by the river has shaped your family through
history, and you specifically.
 explore your interest in native cultures and findings you have made about their
relationship with the river.
 show a specific relationship between the river and art that you enjoy or find
important.
 critically review your favorite book about the river(s) or centers on a river theme.
 explore the culture of womanhood on the river; likewise, the culture of manhood on
the river.
RULES: Essays should be 3-5 pages, typed double-spaced, and should focus on the
writer’s personal experience with the Mississippi River. Typed essays must be submitted
to Chris Livingston at The Book Shelf, 619 Huff Street, by March 15. Be sure to indicate
which high school you attend.