The University of the Philippines’ Likhaan: Institute of Creative Writing is now accepting submissions for the second Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Writers Workshop.

This year’s focus is on young adult literature, referring to work written specifically for a teenage audience.

A work in this genre usually has a young protagonist and presents that young person dealing with issues that other young people face (examples: belonging, falling in love or deciding what to do in the future). The works may also explore issues that young people are afraid they may have to face (violence, drug dependency, alcoholism, being alone, death of a loved one, pregnancy, or the separation of parents). Young adult literature incorporating speculative elements are also welcome.

The Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Writers Workshop will accept 12 fellows: six writers in English and six in Filipino.

Application is open both to published and unpublished writers who are between 18 and 35 years old as of August 15, 2017.

Entries must be: for fiction, two unpublished stories (in English or Filipino, but not a combination of both) with a length of 3,000 to 10,000 words per story; for nonfiction, two essays (also in English or Filipino, but not a combination of both), 3,000 to 10,000 words per essay; for poetry, a suite of three to five poems; for drama, a one-act play.

The portfolio must be accompanied by a short bio note of not more than 150 words, and an author’s photo. The author’s name must not appear anywhere on the submitted work.

Email your complete portfolio to [email protected]. The deadline is on July 21, 2017. Late entries will not be considered.

The workshop is set for October 6 to 9, 2017. Successful applicants will receive a modest stipend, as well as board and lodging at the workshop venue in Quezon City.

For more inquiries about the workshop, contact 9818500 (2117) and look for Isa Lorenzo, or email [email protected]. JB