Faux Faulkner Contest: A Celebration of Literary Parody
For over a decade, writers from across the globe gathered to pay homage to one of the most complex voices in American literature through the art of satire. The Faux Faulkner contest was a unique annual competition that challenged authors to mimic the dense, artistic prose of Nobel laureate William Faulkner.
The Origins and Purpose of the Contest
Founded in 1989, the contest was the brainchild of Dean Faulkner Wells—the niece of William Faulkner—and her husband, Lawrence Wells. The initiative was sponsored by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and Yoknapatawpha Press, an entity dedicated to the legacy of the author's fictional Yoknapatawpha County.
The primary objective was to produce the most effective parody of Faulkner's signature writing style. Participants were tasked with capturing his intricate themes, winding plots, or eccentric characters within the strict constraints of a short-short story—a very brief work of fiction—limited to 500 words or fewer.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Reach and Recognition
Despite its niche focus, the competition gained significant traction. At its peak, the contest attracted up to 750 entries in a single year, drawing submissions from every one of the 50 United States and various other countries.
The winning entries received high-profile visibility. They were published annually in Hemispheres, the onboard magazine for United Airlines, which served as the contest's corporate sponsor. Beyond the magazine, the competition often garnered attention from major media outlets, including MSNBC and USA Today.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1989 by Dean Faulkner Wells and Lawrence Wells.
- Duration: Held 16 times between 1989 and 2005.
- Word Limit: Entries had to be 500 words or fewer.
- Scope: Attracted up to 750 entries annually from the US and abroad.
- Sponsors: Yoknapatawpha Press, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, and United Airlines.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1989 |
| Total Editions | 16 |
| Primary Goal | Parody of William Faulkner's style |
| Publication Venue | Hemispheres magazine |
| Current Status | On hold since 2005 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main goal of the Faux Faulkner contest?
The goal was to create a short-short story of 500 words or less that parodied William Faulkner's unique artistic writing style, characters, plots, or themes.
Who founded the competition?
The contest was founded by Lawrence Wells and Dean Faulkner Wells, who is the niece of William Faulkner.
Where were the winning stories published?
Winners were published in Hemispheres, the onboard magazine for United Airlines.
How popular was the contest?
It was highly popular, receiving as many as 750 entries in a single year from all 50 U.S. states and several other countries.
Is the contest still running today?
No, the contest has been on hold since 2005 while organizers seek a new corporate sponsor.