The annual Write the Rockies celebration is returning to the Summit County Libraries this winter thanks to a partnership with Summit County Rotary, featuring a writing contest and meet-and-greets with authors to inspire local writers, according to a news release from the county government.

The writing contest is open to Summit County residents 11 and up, offering cash prizes and publication opportunities for winning authors, the release states. The contest is accepting poetry and short story submission from now through March 17 at 9 a.m.

The contest will have poetry and short story categories for middle schoolers, high schoolers and adults, the release states. Each contest will have Spanish and English categories with separate awards. The top three in each category will receive a cash award and will have the chance to have their work read on Krystal 93. All submissions of quality will also be published in an anthology available for checkout at all three Summit County libraries. 

There are also writers scheduled to visit throughout January and February. More information is available at bit.ly/WritetheRockies or SummitCountyLibraries.org.