It Should Be Easy To Write Bad Prose

It was a dark and stormy night when Whitworth English professor Laura Bloxham left town.

Actually, it might have been a bright and sunny day for all we know. The fact remains that Bloxham, noted connoisseur of literature and founder of the popular Bronson Alcott Bad Prose Contest, is spending this term in Atlanta reading up on Southern writers.

So who is going to oversee her contest? Well, we are - with her help. As co-sponsors, we’re going to collect the entries, select the finalists and send them on to Bloxham for the final judging.

If you’re interested in participating this year, here is the skinny:

The contest calls for entrants to, Bloxham explains, “compose one sentence of bad original prose, preferably the opening sentence of the worst novel you never expect to write.”

This year there will be just two categories: Community and student. And this year there will be prizes: First-place finishers will receive a $50 gift certificate to Auntie’s Bookstore.

The deadline for entries is April 1. Winners will be announced sometime before May 1.

Send your entries to: Bronson Alcott Prose Contest, c/o Dan Webster, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.

Trueman, too

Terry Trueman, whose characterdriven reading of Charles Bukowski poetry a couple of weeks ago was a big hit, will get into character to read from his own works tonight. The reading will take place at the Anaconda Grille, S510 Freya, beginning at 7. A $3 donation is requested. Seating is limited, so get there early.

The reader board

Peter Stark, author of “Driving to Greenland: Arctic Travel, Nordic Sport and Other Ventures into the Heart of Winter,” will read from his book at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington.

Salvatore Trento, author of “A Field Guide to Mysterious Places in the West,” will give a slide-show reading from his book at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Auntie’s Bookstore.