Poets and Writers Invited to Participate in Annual Tennessee Williams Poetry and Short Story Contests

Key West Art & Historical Society invites poets and writers to submit works with a theme of “A Streetcar Named Desire” for the 2025 Tennessee Williams Poetry and Short Story Writing Contests - components of the annual Tennessee Williams Key West Festival. Over $900 in prize money will be awarded to the winning writers. (Photo credit: Key West Art & Historical Society)

January 7, 2025 – (KEY WEST, FL).  As the Tennessee Williams Key West Festival draws near, the Key West Art & Historical Society invites poets and writers to submit original works for its 2025 Poetry and Short Story writing contests – components of the annual celebration held each March in honor of the Pulitzer Prize-winning literary icon that moved to Key West in 1949 and remained a resident for 34 years.

Drawing from the 2025 Festival theme, writing contest entries must in some way reference Tennessee Williams’ seminal 1947 work “A Streetcar Named Desire.”  Authors may choose to write a story or poem loosely referencing the work itself, Williams’ experience during the writing process, one or more of the play’s characters, or one of the actors/actresses who appeared in the film.

The cost is $10 per submission and is limited to one poem and/or one short story per person.  The first-place winner in each contest will be awarded $300 while the second-place winner will receive $150.  Submissions will be accepted through March 9 with winners announced during the Tennessee Williams Birthday Party on March 26.  The short story contest is generously supported by Bert Whitt while support for the poetry contest comes from Laurie McChesney.  For full contest information, guidelines, a list of judges, and a submission link visit www.twfest.org/contests.

The Tennessee Williams Museum at 513 Truman Avenue is open every day for self-guided tours 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  For more information about the museum or the festival, contact the Key West Art & Historical Society at 305-295-6616 or visit www.kwahs.org.
​
Your Museums.  Your Community.  It takes an Island.