Benjamin Franklin is one of history’s great figures. While he made lasting contributions in many fields, his first passion was writing. He believed in the power of the written word as the bedrock of a democratic society, to inform, and stimulate debate .

Each year a question or quote exploring Franklin’s relevance in our time is open for interpretation in 1000-1500 words. From 2011, the competition will be exclusively for young writers, aged 18-25, with a first prize of £750, and a second prize of £500. Winning entries will be posted here and also published online by media partner, The Telegraph.

The Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize is endowed by Benjamin Franklin House Chairman John Studzinski, a leading executive and philanthropist.

Literary Prize Judges

Marcia Balisciano, Director of Benjamin Franklin House
Lord Guy Black, Executive Director of the Telegraph Media Group
David Hawkins, Committee Chair of Benjamin Franklin House
Lady Joan Reid, Board Member of Benjamin Franklin House
Carole Richmond, freelance writer
Andrea Wulf, author of 'The Founding Gardeners' 2011

2011 Literary Prize

The Franklin quote for interpretation in 2011 is: “Light often arises from a collision of opinions, as fire from flint and steel” Entrants should interpret this quote for its significance today.

Eligibility

*Entrants must be aged 18- 25 years
*Entrants must provide their name, email, postal address, and telephone number
*In addition, entrants should provide their age and place of study (if applicable; if they are not currently in education, they should provide a biographical note explaining their current activities.)
* Entrants may submit only one entry; fiction or non-fiction accepted.
*Entries of 1000-1500 words must be sent by 15 October to info@benjaminfranklinhouse.org

http://www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org/
http://www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org/ ... /news/literary_prize.html

Click on the link above and go to the contest official site