Natalie Hannah

LitFest allows high school writers to showcase their work.

LitFest is a competition for high school students looking to show off their writing. The event will be held at St. Charles East High School on Apr. 17, 2024.

“[LitFest is] open to the entire SCN student population,” said Elizabeth Battaglia,  adviser for the creative writing club. “If you submit writing- you are eligible to attend.”

LitFest is a great opportunity for poets, playwrights, and writers in general.

“We have six categories; descriptive sketch, dramatic scene, poetry, spoken word poetry, short fiction [and], personal essay,” said Battaglia.  “You can submit a piece that’s been submitted to [a] class [and] even a college essay.”

According to Battaglia there are many benefits for submitting to LitFest. One of the biggest perks of submitting to LitFest is “[receiving] professional feedback,” as well as “[being] recognized for awards.” These awards are also “college resume building [items].” Another benefit is writers at LitFest get to hear from a keynote speaker about their work and writing process.

“Last year we heard from the Illinois Poet Laureate,” said Battaglia. “It was just really captivating to hear her work and hear her talk about her life experiences behind the poems.”

North won first place in both the Personal Essay and Poetry categories at last year’s LitFest. Additionally, North students also received honorable mentions in the Short Story, Descriptive Sketch, and Poetry categories.

For those interested in submitting to LitFest, submissions can be done through this form, LitMag Submissions, and must be completed by Jan. 15, 2024.