Dayton, OH- Sinclair Community College has set a February 1, 2009, deadline for its Annual Creative Writing Contest. Sinclair is once again offering cash prizes for winning entries by high school and adult writers from southwestern Ohio.

Sponsored by Sinclair's English department, the contest is open to writers who have received no payment for published manuscripts. There are four categories including Adult Fiction, Adult Non-Fiction, Adult Poetry, and High School (any fiction, non-fiction, poetry). Entries must be postmarked by February 1, 2009.

In each category, prizes will be $60 for first place, $30 for second place, and $20 for third place. Honorable Mention and first through third place winners will receive certificates suitable for framing. Winners will be notified by mail in March 2009. 

Fees are $5 per adult entry and $3 per high school entry. Two poems will be considered one entry.

To receive an entry form with complete information about contest rules, call Chuck Freeland at (937) 512-3078 or (937) 512-2589. You can also write to Creative Writing Contest, English Department, Sinclair Community College, 444 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402-1460.