Contest Helps Poetry Meet The Masses (NAPSA)—Nolonger confined to the halls of academia, poetry is going mainstream. The expressive art form is enjoying a renewed vitality, surfacing in places as unexpected as downtown cabarets, Broadway revues, public transit systems—even a contest sponsored by a skincare giant. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced writer, there are many ways to make poetry a fun and entertaining part of your daily life. From spoken word performance and slam, to traditional written genres, poetry’s many styles and range of appeal continually contribute to its rapid growth. “Poetry is a constantly evolving art form that is achieving wider and wider recognition,” remarks Alice Quinn, executive director of the Poetry Society of America (PSA). “The Olay Total Effects Fine Lines Poetry Contest gives talented writers a unique opportunity to gain recognition for their work, to share their passion for poetry and to inspire other women.” Whether you're a novice ready to test the poetry waters, or a veteran looking to expand yourpoetic horizons, use these helpful tips to indulge your passion: * Create your own poetry library. Collect works of classic poets such as Emily Dickinson or more contemporary writers such as Maya Angelou. * Start a book club. Incorporate the latest books of poetry, like Shake Loose My Skin by Sonia Sanchez, and have each person in the club explore the art of performance poetry by reading their favorite poemsout loud. * Get involved. Become a member of local or national poetry organizations. * Share your words. Go to www.favoritepoem.org and list your work on the daily postings that are read by many fans. * Attend poetry conferences and festivals. Check out sites like A national contest lets women expresstheir inner thoughts. www. poetrysociety.org or www. poetshouse.com forlistings. * Spread the word. Go to www.poetrysociety.org to send a Poetry In Motion e-card to a friend instead of a greeting card. No matter how entrenched you are in the poetry realm, Olay offers you a unique opportunity to try your hand at success. The Olay Total Effects Fine Lines Poetry Contest will open a new stage for undiscovered talent as well as seasoned writers to share their creative spirit. Administered in partnership with the PSA and judged by a panel of renowned poets, including Sonia Sanchez, the contest encourages women to share their inner voices and be heard. The subject matter of all poems submitted must relate to one or more of the following topics: beauty, strength, experience and age. Seven winners will each win a grand prize of $2,000, an honorary PSA membership for one year and the chance to be published in the PSA’s Poetry In Motion program. Women 21 years of age and older can enter through October 31, 2003 by logging onto www.olay.com or sending in poems through U.S. mail to Olay Total Effects Poetry Contest Entries, P.O. Box 4121, Blair, NE 68009-4121.
