Chattanooga’s Poetry Scene Heats Up with October Contest Results
Chattanooga, the vibrant heart of Tennessee, has seen a wave of creative energy as it recently crowned its October 2024 winners of the Writers’ Guild Monthly Contest. And this time, it’s a remarkable feat—one poet has completely swept the competition! Yes, you heard that right! John C. Mannone has taken home the top three honors in the poetry category. Talk about domination!
A Poetic Triumph
John C. Mannone, a towering figure in contemporary poetry, showcased his incredible talent with three stunning entries: “Rite of Passage,” “Attrition,” and “Lakota Dance.” To everyone’s surprise and delight, he clinched the first, second, and third spots in this month’s contest. However, in a show of humility, he has requested that only his first- and second-place poems be shared publicly at this time. Can you believe that? A true artist at heart!
Judging With a Purpose
This month’s contest theme, “Indigenous,” drew a plethora of heartfelt and thought-provoking poems. The submissions were meticulously judged by talented poet Finn Bille, who had the tough task of selecting the standouts from an impressive array of entries. Thanks to this inspiring theme, poets around the Chattanooga area have once again shown the power of words to connect and evoke deep emotions.
A Poet of Many Talents
For those who may not know Mannone, he is not just an extraordinary poet; he’s also a passionate professor of physics! Yes, you read that right! Imagine juggling the worlds of science and poetry. Mannone has had his works featured in Windhover, North Dakota Quarterly, Poetry South, and Baltimore Review, showcasing his versatility and reach in the literary community. He is also a proud recipient of several accolades, including the prestigious Dwarf Stars Award in 2020 and scholarships from the Horror Writers Association and the Jean Ritchie Fellowship, both in 2017.
What’s Next for Mannone?
Mannone’s latest work, a novella-length horror fiction collection titled “Dark Wind, Dark Water,” is set to be published by Mind’s Eye Publishing soon, and we cannot wait to get our hands on it! As someone who edits poetry for Abyss & Apex and Silver Blade, his fingerprints are all over the literary scene. His influence has been felt in classrooms as he recently taught mathematics and creative writing at a Tennessee magnet high school. How versatile can one person be?
Get Involved!
The Chattanooga Writers’ Guild hosts these Monthly Contests, rotating genres throughout the year, with a fresh theme to explore each month. Whether you have a knack for poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction, there’s something for everyone. The best part? It’s free to enter for members! If you’re not yet a member, make sure to check out the membership options to get involved. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your craft and connect with other local writers.
Final Thoughts
With Mannone’s impressive victory, our beloved city of Chattanooga is witnessing a surge in creative expression through poetry. His work speaks to the profound beauty of human experiences, giving us moments to ponder and cherish. If you haven’t had a chance to explore his poetry yet, now is the perfect time to dive in. We can’t wait to see what the next round of contests brings!
