It seems to me quite a few of you feel the way I do - there aren't enough opportunities for writers on dA. I do look for prompts and contests and while I do find some gems, I don't find enough to bookmark a number of contests and keep myself writing a little bit everyday.

So I'll just start fixing that now. Deadline for this contest is June 12th. Instructions: write a haiku about nature. The idea is to get everyone to try writing a haiku and have an appreciation for the form's potential. Submissions must be original, written for the contest.

I can't emphasize this enough: You MUST send me a note with the link to your poem on dA. You can, in addition, link me to your poem through a comment. I do appreciate people doing both. But the note is necessary, trust me. It makes keeping track of what I've got a lot easier.

Please do link to the contest in the description of the entry. Also, entries must be in English. I can't read any other language that well. One entry per person, please.

You do not have to strictly follow the 5-7-5 syllable pattern (first line 5, second 7, last 5). I am more than willing to be a little flexible with that. Also, the kigo has been reduced to a nature reference.

You will still find it useful to read about haiku (the wikipedia entry on kigo is a gem). And please do read a few haiku before writing. I've written on Basho, Issa & Moritake. I think you'll like the poems; I certainly enjoyed thinking about them.

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. Donations will be accepted. I have a few points left over and will add more to the pool myself. There will also be a prize for the person who promotes the contest the most. As you enter, let me know if anyone referred you.

I can't guarantee that I'll promote everyone who enters. I have lots to do this month. But I will try. I add all contestants to my watchlist and I think the last batch of contestants can attest that I work hard to give everyone what attention I can.

If you won or were honorably mentioned last time, you probably won't win a prize. I want to spread the wealth. I do realize some of you are amazingly strong poets who should win every contest. I'll get you publicity and do what I can as one of your watchers. But I think it's really important deviants know that we care to see them work and develop as artists, not just be awesome all the time.

All submissions will find themselves in this folder in my favorites: [link]

Finally - if you're curious what I'm about, there's this interview with me I wish would go viral. And I appreciate likes on my facebook page.