The Open Letter Project
"Postcards to Mississippi"
Deadline: April 16, 2018, by 11:59 P.M.
The Magnolia State. The Hospitality State. The Great Landmass, also known as Mississippi. Whether you were born here or just passing through, there’s no denying the intricate intermingling of celebration and struggle that make up the soul of our state and its people.
Writing Prompt: What comes to mind when you think of Mississippi? If you could write a letter or send a postcard to the state of Mississippi, what would it say? Whether you just got here or you have been here all of your life, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences.
The following are some questions that may help you start thinking about your letter. Your letter can address anything that you want, you don’t have to answer these questions. The questions are just to help you brainstorm:
- What would you like to address that is currently happening in Mississippi?
- What do you believe needs to change, or what do you hope always stays the same
- What does “Mississippi” need to know about you or about itself?
- Do you plan to stay in Mississippi? Why or why not?
What does your postcard need to say?
Photography/Art Prompt: Take a photograph or create a work of art that you believe represents “Mississippi.” It can be some part of Mississippi State University. It can be your family or friends. It can be the refuge, the rivers and lakes, the farmland, the potholes in Jackson, and more. It can be you. Your photography or artwork can be literal or abstract. Also, include a one to two sentence description explaining how it shows home for you. You may submit your art without submitting a letter.
Guidelines for Submitting:
- After writing your letter, please save it as a .doc or.docx attachment it to the email.
- If you are submitting for the Photography/Art Prompt, please attach a copy of the work as a .jpeg file.
- Write “OPEN LETTER PROJECT SUBMISSION” as the subject of the e-mail.
- Send your submission to SubmissionsMSUWC@gmail.com with your name and NetID in the body of the email (published submissions will remain anonymous).
Please note: Your name will not be on your entry without permission, but we will use your name and email to enter you into a raffle to win a $50.00 VISA gift card. FOUR (4) winners will be selected at random.
If you have any questions, please email us and put “QUESTION” in the subject line of the email, or setup an appointment to visit the Writing Center.