Journal of Narrative Theory presents: Detroit 20/20 Writing Contest

"Detroit as a Narrative Space" Dialogue and the Detroit 20/20 Writing Competition

 Aerial Image of the City of Detroit

In anticipation of this year’s Journal of Narrative Theory Dialogue “Detroit as a Narrative Space,” featuring Detroit authors Desiree Cooper and kim d. hunter, we are holding a writing contest during the month of February. We invite those who live or work in the city of Detroit to enter submissions of site-specific, creative flash nonfiction about Detroit 20/20. The winner, who will be announced at the March 18 JNT Dialogue, will receive a $250 award and be featured on JNT websites and social media. The online JNT Dialogue is free and open to the public (advance registration required).

In the 20th century, Detroit became known as a space of art, of industry, and of activism. By 2020, Detroit had experienced a pandemic, emerged as a key scene in the national Black Lives Matter movement, and played a critical role in historic national elections. In a year that will go down in the history books, the stories of Detroiters should be the ones that shape the narrative of Detroit. What stories about Detroit and Detroiters need to be told right now, to be remembered by future generations? 

For more information about the contest and to submit your entry, go to Detroit 20/20 Flash Nonfiction Competition.

This initiative is sponsored by the Journal of Narrative Theory and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.