Gaylord Arts is proud to host Northern Michigan Writing Group, Writing in the Pines.
Writing in the Pines was established in October of 2022 by mother-daughter duo Shelby Bauer and Donnalee Pontius. Shelby and Donna founded the group as a way to encourage themselves and others to pursue writing as a creative outlet. Writing in the Pines’ mission is to support a writing community in Northern Michigan where encouragement and learning opportunities thrive. This mission is achieved through three pillars:
Support - We understand the value of a support network in the world of writing. We strive to create a comfortable atmosphere where members can share and receive feedback, assist each other in problem-solving, and share opportunities such as contests, grants, and conferences.
Encouragement - One of the easiest things to do in writing is stop writing. Our monthly meetings, writing exercises, and events are all ways we seek to encourage, stimulate creativity, and build confidence.
Learning - Through the above two pillars, we explore a variety of writing techniques, genres, and styles to broaden our horizons and encourage a well-rounded writer.
Membership is currently geared toward ages 17+, writers of all kinds are welcome, and monthly meetings last about two hours. Reach out to write[email protected] to learn more or join.
Support - We understand the value of a support network in the world of writing. We strive to create a comfortable atmosphere where members can share and receive feedback, assist each other in problem-solving, and share opportunities such as contests, grants, and conferences.
Encouragement - One of the easiest things to do in writing is stop writing. Our monthly meetings, writing exercises, and events are all ways we seek to encourage, stimulate creativity, and build confidence.
Learning - Through the above two pillars, we explore a variety of writing techniques, genres, and styles to broaden our horizons and encourage a well-rounded writer.
Membership is currently geared toward ages 17+, writers of all kinds are welcome, and monthly meetings last about two hours. Reach out to write[email protected] to learn more or join.
Meetings take place the 4th Thursday of every month from 5:00-6:30pm at Gaylord Arts.
Writing in the Pines Writing Contest 2026
Submissions Open:
through April 15th (ages 12-16)
through April 9th (ages 17+)
Entrants notified by: April 11th
Live reading event: April 26th, 2pm, Headwaters Room at
Jays Sporting Goods in Gaylord.
Theme: Spring in Michigan
Age groups and entry fees:
Ages 12-16 - $10
Ages 17+ - $20
*25% of entry fees will so to support Gaylord Area Council for the Arts (GACA),
the remaining amount will be used to purchase prizes and support the live event.
If the submission cost is a barrier, please reach out to [email protected] as
sponsorships may be available.
Prizes for both age groups will include:
1st Place: Your choice of a one-year subscription to MasterClass OR a monetary equivalent amount of educational writing books and a bag of writing supplies.
2nd Place: A gift card to a local business and a bag of writing
supplies.
through April 15th (ages 12-16)
through April 9th (ages 17+)
Entrants notified by: April 11th
Live reading event: April 26th, 2pm, Headwaters Room at
Jays Sporting Goods in Gaylord.
Theme: Spring in Michigan
Age groups and entry fees:
Ages 12-16 - $10
Ages 17+ - $20
*25% of entry fees will so to support Gaylord Area Council for the Arts (GACA),
the remaining amount will be used to purchase prizes and support the live event.
If the submission cost is a barrier, please reach out to [email protected] as
sponsorships may be available.
Prizes for both age groups will include:
1st Place: Your choice of a one-year subscription to MasterClass OR a monetary equivalent amount of educational writing books and a bag of writing supplies.
2nd Place: A gift card to a local business and a bag of writing
supplies.
Writing in the Pines 2026 Writing Contest Description and Rules
Winner Information
Other Important Information
- The theme of this contest is Spring in Michigan. Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry are allowed. There are no restrictions on style or genre; except that pieces may not contain explicit content.
- Submissions may not exceed four pages of 1.5 line spacing, size 12 font, 1" margins. Font style must be easily readable. Please number pages in the bottom right corner.
- If you are submitting poetry, you may submit a collection of poems up to three pages, following the criteria listed above, and each piece must follow the contest theme.
- Entry is available online through Gaylord Area Council for the Arts (GACA) website or via hardcopy drop off at GACA (125 E Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735). If you are submitting a collection of poems, they must all be in one document.
- Only one entry per person is permitted.
- Submissions may not include previously published works and must be original pieces written by the author, no AI.
- Your piece must be accompanied by the appropriate, provided cover sheet. For those 17 and under, parental consent is required for participation (this is included in the cover sheet).
- Judging is anonymous. Name and contact details must not appear on the pieces themselves, only on the cover sheet. Each submission will be judged utilizing the same evaluation sheet.
Winner Information
- All youth submissions will receive a prize (available for pick up at the live reading event or at GACA)
- Winners will be notified shortly after submissions close.
- Each age group will have at least a 1st and 2nd place winner.
- Winners must be present at the live event on April 26th to officially win and receive their prize.
- The event will take place from 2pm-3:30pm, in the Headwaters Room at Jays Sporting Goods in Gaylord.
- If you are uncomfortable with reading aloud in front of an audience, a member of Writing in the Pines can read on your behalf, but you will still need to be present to win.
Other Important Information
- Entry fees will not be returned if stories are withdrawn after entering.
- Entry is taken to be acceptance of these rules.
- Writing in the Pines may change how prizes are dispersed based on entries (for example, if multiple poetry and fiction pieces are submitted, a 1st and 2nd place winner may be chosen in each category versus one overall winner for that age group).
- If you have questions, please email [email protected] and put Writing Contest in the subject line.
Please download and attach the correct Cover Sheet:
