Patterns Writing

Application form for the Literary Participation

Deadline: 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, 2026

Patterns, a magazine of student literature and art, has been published annually since 1959. Any student currently enrolled at St. Clair County Community College is eligible to submit work for consideration. Entries will be judged, and those selected will be included in the Patterns Magazine.

Submissions should fall into the following categories: poem, short story, academic essay, and memoir. 

If you are submitting multiple entries, please refresh this form page and submit a new form for each entry. 

Important instructions:

• Any enrolled student at SC4 in this calendar year (i.e. winter, summer and/or fall) is eligible to submit work for consideration. Winners will be notified by mail and will be honored at a reception in the spring.
• Your name should be on the entry form, but NOT on your manuscript. Double-check headers.
• All manuscripts should be typed and double-spaced in a Microsoft Office Word file.
• Poems of any length and form will be accepted. No more than 10 poems per student may be submitted.
• Short stories should not exceed 15 pages.
• Academic essays include argument essays and position papers, such as those assigned as part of a college class. These may include a small amount of research but should not exceed 10 pages. Sources, if used, should follow MLA form.
• Memoirs are creative nonfiction pieces focused on the author’s life experiences. 
• If you are uncertain which category to put your nonfiction in, just submit to one, and we will consider whether it should be moved or stay
• Proofread your work carefully.