a PHC Arts COuncil Event
The Eugene Gulish
Writing Competition
A literary competition for anyone located around Paris-Henry County and beyond. Entries are submitted online, with prize money distributed to honor award winners.
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An Annual Event
The Eugene Gulish Writing Competition
Theme: A Door That Was Never There"After years of living in the same house, you discover a door in your home that you’ve never seen before. It’s in a room you visit every day, yet you swear it wasn’t there before. When you open it, what lies beyond?" Stories must not exceed 1,500 words
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 27th
Awards: Winners announced with prize money for various awards described below
Categories: Adult Division (18+) and Youth Division (14-17 years old)
Average # of Entries: 30+
For both Amateurs and Professionals
Writers Enter Here
Show off your creative writing skills and earn big! Prize money will be awarded in both the Adult (18+) and Youth Divisions (14-17 years old). This is an online event only. All stories will be published on our website for your viewing pleasure.
Official Entry Rules
SUBMISSIONS: Authors may submit up to three stories, each must not exceed 1500 words, but the prize money will only be awarded to one story. Stories with course obscenities or erotica will be disqualified.
PRIZE MONEY: This will be given to the top three entries:
Adult Division (18 years old and above):
First place: $100
Second place: $75
Third place: $50
Judges’ Choice for the best overall story: $150
Youth Division (14-17 years old):
First place: $75
Second place: $50
Third place: $25
QUALIFICATIONS: Judges will consider the plot, story structure, character development, setting, grammar, and sentence structure during judging.
LOCATIONS: In addition to Henry County, manuscripts from these counties will be accepted: Benton, Carroll, Weakley, Gibson, Dyer, Obion, Stewart, Montgomery, and Houston counties in Tennessee, along with Calloway and Marshall counties in Kentucky
DEADLINE: Your complete entry must be received no later than the submission deadline above.
You must include the title of the manuscript you are submitting.
You must include your name, permanent address, phone number, and e-mail. Include parents’ or guardians’ names for youth authors.
The contact info provided will be used to contact winners.
introducing
Our 2026 Judges
Amber Crouch
Amber Crouch is an instructional coach who partners with school districts across Tennessee to strengthen teaching and learning through targeted professional development, teacher coaching, and student academic support. Through her work with Kids First Education, she collaborates with educators to implement research-based instructional practices, analyze student data, and support high-quality instruction across classrooms. Amber is passionate about helping teachers build strong instructional routines that improve student engagement, deepen understanding, and drive academic growth. She brings 13 years of experience in education and is qualified to teach Kindergarten through 8th grade. Amber holds a Master’s degree in Reading and Writing and is a certified Reading Specialist for PreK through 12th grade, with expertise in literacy instruction that helps teachers build strong reading and writing foundations for student success across all subjects.
Amanda White
Amanda White is a dedicated educator with over 13 years of professional teaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K–6) from the University of Tennessee at Martin, a master’s degree in Reading and Writing from Murray State University, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Austin Peay State University. Amanda also serves as a member of the Kids First ELA and Math Support Team. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her family and friends.
The Writing Competition
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