Prompt:

La’libertas

Created by Laura Lamarca, the La’libertas is a 22-line poetic form that follows the following rules:

Stanza 1 – rhyme scheme is abba and 8 syllables per line
Stanza 2 – free verse, 6 lines only
Stanza 3 – rhyme scheme is baab and 8 syllables per line
Stanza 4 – free verse, 6 lines only
Couplet –  2 lines

This form got its name from the word “libertas” which is Latin for “liberty” and “La” is Laura Lamarca’s signature.

• Pen a poem, in any topic/theme, following the above information about this form. (It is recommended to use these links to check your syllables:  https://howmanysyllables.com/syllable_counter/)
• Send in your entries to penmagica@gmail.com as an attachment in a word document (.doc/.docx, any other file will not be published) along with a 2-3 line bio (not required if previously sent).
• The subject of your mail should be “Entry for #PenMuse35 (compulsory).
• Along with your entry please send a suggested cover for your poem. (please send it as a separate attachment. Make sure it is a stock photo, no watermarks, and of high resolution –800 pixels and above). The elves at Penmancy are mighty pleased if a story is accompanied by a cover.
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Rules:

1. 1. 1. The submitted poem must have a title (Keep it simple with no punctuation marks; all words more than 3 letters must be capitalized)
      2. There is no limit to the number of entries you may submit –though only the first submitted poem will be qualified for contention.
      3. Previously published or plagiarised works will not be considered for contention.
      4. Poems found to have been shared on another platform or blog before the declaration of results stand disqualified from the event, and the writer of such content stands to be disqualified for the next Penmancy event.
      5. In case a poem is received after the submission deadline, it shall be considered as a guest entry and shall not qualify for the event.
      6. Entries that don’t follow rules will be published and shared on the page and group but are disqualified for winning.

Winning criteria:

• The winner will be chosen on the basis of the judges’ scores (out of 10)
  • creativity/content and originality, [12 points]
  • coherence of form and structure (harmony of words, presentation), [12 points]
  • clarity of imagery and language/grammar, [10 points]
  • emotional impact, [10 points]
  • topic/relevance to the theme, [6 points]
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• The entries adjudged by a panel of judges and event organisers shall be binding. Judges’ scores to be deemed final and may not be contested. Final scores are not disclosed to the participants.
• All writers are required to read and comment on 5 poems other than their own and encourage their fellow writers with valuable and constructive inputs. Comments like “nice”, “good work”, “brilliant piece”, etc. do not provide the necessary critique and are not helpful for anyone.
• Only stories that garnered an average score/rating of 7.5 and above from the panel of judges shall be eligible for winning.
•  Timelines-
  • The last date of submission is November 20, 2021 (Saturday).
  • Winners shall be announced on November 27, 2021 (Saturday).
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The announcement of winners may be postponed or preponed depending on the number of entries received.

The winners of the event shall receive the book “The Kitty Party Murder” by Kiran Manral.

This book was extended for #BookNook Gift-a-book program by an anonymous well-wisher.

For questions related to the rules and criteria, please write to us at penmagica@gmail.com