Welcome to Mosaic Musings!

Synopsis
Mosaic Musings (MM) is a writers' workshop (membership site) for those seeking genuine commentary and criticism on their literary works. Newcomers are very welcome. At Mosaic Musings, we strive to bring out the best in our writers, to streamline and strengthen their talents, that will result in refined masterpieces worthy of publication (if so sought). By offering friendly, yet thorough, critiques, we will support and encourage members to polish their work in a setting that is relaxed, fun and challenging. Within our forum board, we offer a variety of critique and exhibition forums, exercises, poetry and prose education, challenges and competitions suitable for all writers, from novice to expert. Membership is free. Meet your new friends and make Mosaic Musings your home away from home. Help us reach our full potential as writers beginning today.

No matter what stage you have reached in your writing, if you have the motivation, you will be heartily welcomed here at MM providing you:
(1) Have a desire to improve your writing and a willingness to help others improve theirs.
(2) Follow MM's simple rules - designed to make membership comfortable, respectful and beneficial.



Imagine a world long ago. . .

 "...I am Cyrus, King of the world. When I entered Babylon...I did not allow anyone to terrorize the land...I kept in view the needs of the people and all its sanctuaries to promote their well-being. I put an end to their misfortune. The Great God has delivered all the lands into my hand; the lands that I have made to dwell in peaceful habitation..." - Cyrus the Great

The chronicled characters of Ancient civilizations have long been a fascination of mine. The rise and fall of such grand civilizations of Babylon, Damascus, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, Greece, Pompeii and the wonders of Atlantis have shaped humanity throughout the ages long past and will forever remain an important part of history. The tales of prosperous societies promoting order, a sense of community, and of peace and pride, reinforce my enthusiasm and desire to recreate the grand splendors of Mosaic Musings.



IBPC (InterBoard Poetry Competition)

In January of 2007, Mosaic Musings officially became a forum participant of a major monthly competition called The IBPC (InterBoard Poetry Competition) which is hosted monthly by Web del Sol. The IBPC aims to bring continual growth, in both quality and popularity, of poetry on the Internet. We believe MM would be a great asset to that union and benefit on several levels. We also feel that the talent and quality of works posted at MM is worthy of a larger audience.

The InterBoard Poetry Competition was conceived in 1999 by Michael Neff, Director of Web Del Sol. Neff worked with the Atlantic, Utne, and other on-line poetry boards to create a meaningful mission for the IBPC. The goals were several. First, to seek to improve the quality of poetry and discourse on participating boards and on the Internet in general; second, to discover and publish new poets; and third, to help these new poets become recognized by leading literary periodicals.

An informal launch committee established a preliminary set of rules and bylaws, and the IBPC took flight in spring of 2000. After only one year, the number of participating boards had doubled. The IBPC opened its doors to all quality boards, honed its by-laws, and further refined the IBPC contests.

Judges for the IBPC have been many and distinguished, including Guggenheim winner Robert Sward, Joan Houlihan of Boston Comment fame, 1999 Pulitzer Prize nominee Harvey Stanbrough, the editorial staff of River Styx, Mark Yakich of River City, and many others.

Two years later, with the birth of its new website at IBPC-POETRY.ORG, the IBPC and member boards are well on the way to achieving their goals. Today the IBPC includes about twenty participating boards, with more pending approval. IBPC recognition of poets, and the boards they represent, has become an increasingly prestigious honor. Meanwhile, the nature of the competition has fostered creativity and improved communication among the on-line poetry community.

Recently, IBPC staff have successfully engaged print journals with the competition. We plan to continue bridging the media gap between internet and print poetry. A print anthology of best work is planned for 2003-2004.

Our new site reflects the growth of the IBPC. It now includes "IBPC Selects" featuring the editor's choice of favorite poems, direct links to Poets & Writers, Powells and other favorite sites, direct home page access to our participating boards, the most recent winning poems, and "IBPC: Newswire" - news and announcements of the many talented poets who workshop on the net.

Our future is promising with a vision not only for the "InterBoard Poetry Competition" but for the continued growth of the "InterBoard Poetry Community".

Visit our forum board for more information on this exciting competition by clicking here. Good luck all!



Odin's Opposition Chapbook Competition (Members Only)

 In ancient times, the Gods challenged the Well of Wisdom... Is YOUR Writing competitive? Odin wants to know at Mosaic Musings Odin's Chapbook Competition. Do you believe in your muse and think you've got what it takes to beat Odin, the god of poetry and wisdom, in a battle of expression? Perhaps you'll rise up, drink from the Well of Wisdom and be crowned the "bringer of victory"? Why not let your imagination soar and enter "Odin's Opposition" today. The battle has already begun! Pass through the great gate of clouds and step into the peak of the many ridged Mt. Olympus. Will you feel impelled to climb it, and lead your Muse to victory? There's only one way to find out! Join us in Odin's forum today!

NOTE: Until further notice, this competition is currently on hold and will resume if interest dictates its reopening.

Welcome to the Mosaic Musings "Odin's Opposition" Chapbook Competition! This competition is open to all members worldwide, and requires NO entry fee. Entries can be written on any subject, in poem or prose format (as that quater's contest dictates), and can be of any length. Entries are limited to 2 per battle per member. A new competition will run each quarter and will alternate between poetry and prose submissions.

The two poetry quarterlies will run from November 1st through January 31st and from May 1st through July 31st. The two prose quarterlies will run from February 1st through April 30th and from August 1st through October 31st. Once the quarter ends, all entries that have been received will be judged and the winners chosen. The five winning entries will be posted in our "Chapbook Competition archive" forum, where an electronic copy of the entries will be displayed with a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Merit designation. In addition, non-winning entries will also be archived. All chapbook contracts and bookstore awards are guaranteed by Mosaic Musings, LLC.

1st Place: Two chapbooks of winner's choice from Mosaic Musing's Bookstore and a 50% discount on one Mosaic Musings, LLC chapbook contract from our chapbook package offerings. If the winner chooses, he/she may also opt to have a sample of their chapbook displayed in Digital Web Book format on our home page (cannot exceed 50% of actual chapbook content). In addition, an electronic display with award graphic will be posted on the Mosaic Musings forum board.

2nd Place: Two chapbooks of winner's choice from Mosaic Musing's Bookstore and a 25% discount on one Mosaic Musings, LLC chapbook contract. In addition, an electronic display with award graphic will be posted on the Mosaic Musings forum board.

3rd Place: One chapbook of winner's choice from Mosaic Musing's Bookstore and a 10% discount on one Mosaic Musings, LLC chapbook contract. In addition, an electronic display with award graphic will be posted on the Mosaic Musings forum board.

Merit: (2) winners - One chapbook of winner's choice from Mosaic Musing's Bookstore. In addition, an electronic display with award graphic will be posted on the Mosaic Musings forum board.

*There is no expiration date for the winner's chapbook contracts to be redeemed.

Go to our forum board and into "Mount Olympus" for more information by clicking here. Good luck!



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