Let Your Voice Blossom in Our Annual Poetry Competition in South Africa

Writing a poem means giving yourself permission to grow as a poet, and our annual poetry competition in South Africa invites you to do exactly that. The AVBOB Poetry Project celebrates poetic expression because a blank page is one of the few spaces where writers can come into their own and safely express what might be difficult to say anywhere else. This yearly contest is our way of making room for that courage. It is a place for South African voices to be heard and remembered. So, if a poem has been waiting inside you, this may be the year to let it bloom. As Anaïs Nin wrote in “Risk”:

“And then the day came,
when the risk
to remain tight
in a bud
was more painful
than the risk
it took
to blossom.”

Preparing for Our Annual Poetry Competition in South Africa

Often, the best writers are those who are most widely read, and the quality of the work you read will naturally have an impact on the quality of your writing. If you are looking for some inspiration, our AVBOB Poetry Project library is a wise choice. Reading other poems can help you notice what stirs something in you and what kind of writing strikes a chord with you. The library can also help you immerse yourself in the spirit of the competition, and here you will see that there is no single “correct” way to pen poems. To help writers along, we also offer an annual online workshop series. These workshops are interactive and you will get a chance to learn from some of South Africa's greatest poetry luminaries.

You can also always connect with us if you have any questions.

Begin With the Rules and Give Yourself a Strong Star

Once you feel inspired, take time to read the competition rules and guidelines properly. It may not be the most romantic part of the process, but it is one of the smartest. Make sure you check the deadline, the format required, and the entry steps. Upholding these rules will give your poem the best chance to be considered.

Choose the Language and Theme That Feel Most Natural to You

It’s important to choose the language that allows you to express yourself most freely. It may be the language you speak at home, the one you think best in, or the one that carries your emotions most clearly. Then think about the theme. What keeps pulling on your sleeve? It could be a memory, a moment of sorrow, a small joy, a question you have, or a part of yourself you have been trying to understand.

Give Yourself Time to Write, Rewrite, and Begin Again

One of the best things you can do is start early. The first draft does not have to be perfect, and it does not have to say everything beautifully on the first try. In fact, most poems do not begin that way. Sometimes the first draft is simply how you find your way into the real poem. Once something is on the page, you can cut lines, change the order of phrasing or ideas, add a phrase or two, or begin again with a better idea of what you are trying to say. This is a natural part of writing that allows a poem to grow into itself.

FAQs About Joining Our Annual Poetry Competition in South Africa

• Do I need writing experience to enter? You do not need years of writing behind you to submit a meaningful poem. The judges are looking for original poems from those courageous enough to share their work, which makes our writing contest incredibly beginner-friendly.
• What if my first draft is a mess? That is completely normal – and encouraged! Your first draft is about testing and throwing ideas around. The poem will grow stronger over time through patient revision.
• Can the poetry library help me prepare? It certainly can! Reading other poems will spark ideas, inspire and show you how many different shapes a memorable poem can take.

Once you begin trusting your natural voice and give yourself enough time to shape your work, you may be surprised by the results. Our annual poetry competition in South Africa is here to celebrate expression, and we welcome brave new writers like you to join. If you have any questions about the AVBOB Poetry Project, reach out to us .