A workshop & competition

Experimental, provocative, refined

A curated space for individualist thinkers. Optimized standards, continual refinement. Weekly prompts, rigorous feedback, and conducive workshops.

About

We believe in writing as the process of translating thinking into language. Our competition distills the raw essence of thinking through a time limit; our rubric rewards risk-taking, nuance, and originality. We publish the winning essay each cycle to showcase both the exemplary craft and the evolution of the competition.

Mission

To cultivate individual voice through refinement, emphasizing originality, depth, and nuance.

Vision

To deepen the pursuit of excellence, challenge the conventional status quo of essay competitions, and grow into a community of individuals diverse in thought.

Past Winning Essays

A selection of past winners to showcase the evolution of the rubric and writers.

2025 • Cycle 3 Philosophy

An Extramarital Affair

A reflection on the idea of “true selves” in the absence of observation.

2025 • Cycle 4 Politics

Twenty One

An analysis on elitism as a shield against the retardation (medical term) of the human mind.

Rubric Evolution

We iterate with transparency; our rubric serves to empower individual voice.

Foundations
Established six core criteria: Clarity & Flow, Depth of Interpretation, Responsiveness to the Prompt, Profound/Interesting Ideas, Risk‑Taking, Scope. This provides a holistic baseline and gives writers a clear sense of direction.
Depth & Scope
Emphasized multi‑layered analysis and interdisciplinary reach, encouraging concrete examples that serve an abstract argument. Ambition expanded—breadth without losing depth.
Clarity & Flow
Defined “intentional complexity” vs. “obfuscation.” Added guidance on paragraph rhythm and transitions, rewarding not only ideas but the artistry and coherence of their delivery.
Refined weighting
Raised the ceiling for Risk‑Taking to reward ambitious structure and argument. Clarified penalties for ornament without insight—bold originality can score as highly as polish, but empty flourish is penalized.

Workshops

Immersive, dialogue‑driven workshops aimed to maximize individual voice.

Cohort • A4 weeks

Foundations of Writing

Thesis clarity, paragraph rhythm, and prompt responsiveness. Weekly prompts + peer critique.

Cohort • BStudio

Style & Voice Lab

Diction, cadence, and form experimentation. Bold writing, risk-taking.

Cohort • CIntensive

Retentive Reading

Understanding the essence of ideas, retaining content, and dissecting arguments. Synthesis of perspectives, individual thoughts.

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