In past years, The Tarpeian Rock has sponsored writing contests for older kids and teens ages 12 through 18. The winners of these contests had their pieces published in The Tarpeian Rock and won $50 besides. If you would like to read them, please feel free to order back issues through 2003.

This year's contest will take a bit of a different approach from previous years. It's said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Below you will find five illustrations that were submitted to us by local talent that we're hoping are worth about 2,500 words.

To qualify for this year's contest, the entrant and his/her story must meet the following criteria:

• The author of the story must be between the ages of 12 and 18 as of Feburary 15, 2009.
  

• The story must be 2,500 words or less.
  

• The story must be an original previously unpublished work.
  

• The story must be based on ONE of the five illustrations below. Note that these illustrations are just ideas. How you build the story around the illustration is completely up to you. Be aware that the illustration will accompany the winning story in the 2009 issue of the Tarpeian Rock, so how well a story matches its illustration will play a major part in the judging.
  

• Stories will also be judged on theme, style, creativity and adherence to the rules. Those stories will be rated highest which demonstrate a flair for language, appropriate use of wit or humor, and an understanding of traditional Judeo-Christian virtues, such as piety, honor, loyalty, hope, faith, charity, fortitude, devotion to family, etc.
  

• Stories which contain gross vulgarity, obscenity, or attacks on Judeo-Christian belief or morality will be disqualified.
  

The editors of The Tarpeian Rock will choose one (1) winner. The winner will receive a $50 award and the story will be published in the 2009 edition of The Tarpeian Rock.

All selections will be final and not subject to appeal. Friends and family of Arx Publishing and its members are ineligible to participate.

A special thank you to Katy Sohler, Gina Foster, and Becca Schpok for providing the artwork for this year's contest. 

Entry Deadline: Entries should be sent to the address at right no later than February 15, 2009. The winner will be notified on or before March 15, 2009.

Arx Publishing, LLC Attn: Tarpeian Rock Contest PO Box 1333 Merchantville NJ 08109-0333, USA or email: intern("at" sign)arxpub.com