Prompt:

The Florette

Created by Jan Turner, the Florette consists of two or more 4-line stanzas. It follows the syllable count 8-8-8-12 and aaba rhyme scheme.

Like the outgrowing of a small flower, the fourth line of each stanza is longer, enwrapping the other lines. Line 4 requires an internal rhyme scheme, in which the eighth syllable rhymes with the end of line #3, and continues to add on four more syllables so that the fourth end of fourth line rhymes with lines #1 and #2.

• Write a 4-stanza #florette about women — their victories, achievements, ambitions, aspirations, struggles, plight, goals, etc.
• Send in your entries,  as an attachment in a word document (.doc/.docx, any other file will not be published), to penmagica@gmail.com along with a 2-3 line bio (not required if previously sent).
• The subject of your mail should be Entry for #PenMuse-61 (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 poem is accompanied by a cover.
• Though the prompt does not ask you to have any syllables, yet if you wish to check, then please click this syllable count here.

Rules:

1. The submitted poem must have a title (Keep it simple with no punctuation marks; all words more than 3 letters must be capitalised)
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]
• 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.
• The entries adjudged through this process shall be binding. No scores will be shared with the participants.
• All writers are required to read and comment on 5 stories 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.

•  Timelines-
  • The last date of submission is March 20, 2024
  • Winners shall be announced on March 27, 2024

The announcement of winners may be postponed or preponed depending on the number of entries received.

The winners of the event shall receive a copy of ‘Birthing Bonds: My Expedition Beyond Motherhood’ by Durriya Sakarwala.