Housebound Magazine's Inaugural Richard Wanderman Poetry Prize
Housebound Magazine is thrilled to present our inaugural poetry prize, created in memory of Richard Wanderman (1951-2019).
Our Editor-in-Chief, Erin, knew Richard simply as Grandpa R., but he was hailed more widely as an artist, teacher, photographer, potter, blogger, web designer, bread maker, hiker, trailblazer, activist, engaged citizen, and cinephile.
Richard was born in Hicksville, New York. He completed an MFA at the University of Oregon, where he later taught art and design. A man of varied interests, Richard successfully pursued careers in art, technology, and education. He was an avid outdoorsman and maintained sections of the Appalachian Trail with Connecticut AMC and Massachusetts AMC.
Richard passed away from glioblastoma (brain cancer) in March of 2019. His ashes were scattered in the backyard of his home in rural Connecticut as well as along the Appalachian Trail.
To honor Richard's spirit, one with nature, Housebound is debuting a yearly poetry prize with the broad theme of home and nature.
This theme can be channeled in a myriad of ways, and we welcome a wide range of interpretations. A 'nature poem' varies from poet to poet. Poems written straight from personal nature immersion (Mary Oliver style) are just one option.
The wonderful paradox of poetry is that it both expands and narrows one's gaze at the same time. Nature can be a poetic lens, rather than just a subject/topic.
Some potential keywords and phrases to use as inspiration: trails, visitors, stewardship, soil, snow tires, migration, wind chimes, tadpoles, garden frost, leave no trace. Richard's nature photography can also serve as a touchstone.
Here's everything you need to know about the prize:
The winner will receive $250, publication of their poem, and an interview feature in Housebound Magazine.
Two runners-up will also have their work published with an honorarium of $50 each.
All entries will be considered for publication in Housebound!
How to submit? Is there a submission fee?
All submissions must use this Tally form: https://tally.so/r/eqdrLQ
There is a submission fee for this contest in order to sustain the prize pool. However, we want to keep the entry fee as low and accessible as possible. Therefore, we've decided to offer two different options:
- Submit 1 poem for $3.00
- Submit 3-5 poems for $7.00
Please use our newly launched Ko-fi page to process these payments. An attached screenshot of your Ko-fi transaction is required to submit the Tally form. If you have any issues with your entry fee payment, please send us an email (houseboundmagazine@gmail.com)
If the crowdfunded prize pool is exceeded in the course of the submission period, all remaining funds will be donated to the Glioblastoma Foundation.
What is the submission period?
Submissions open November 7th, 2026, and will close on December 31st, 2026.
The results will be announced in early January 2027.
Can I submit if I've already been published in Housebound?
Yes, previous contributors are welcome to submit to this contest.
What about submission guidelines?
Please send all poems in a PDF document no longer than 7 pages. Single-spaced is preferred.
Who will judge the contest?
Our EIC, Erin, and our Managing Editor, Mara, will be judging this contest. If they are split about the winner, the "tie-breaker" vote will fall to Richard's widow, Anne.
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