Every great literary work started with an interesting idea.

A flower blossom, a snow-capped mountain, a waterfall – whatever the source of inspiration, it began with a thought.

And these thoughts have inspired, healed, exposed and spurred wars, defining many eras throughout history.

Reporter Peyton Whitely recently opined on how the Kirkland community gets their information. News is disseminated through neighborhood blogs, Web sites, books and in newspapers like this one. These publication methods allow others to absorb, share ideas and make informed decisions.

So publication is a big deal. And you can start right here.

Celebrating the printed word, the Kirkland Reporter is launching its first-ever poetry contest – open to all. Enter the contest for your chance to get published.

The topic for the contest is “autumn” and entries of all types will be accepted – Haiku, free verse, sonnet and more.

Here are our submission guidelines:

• Send up to three unpublished poems, any form, 30-line limit each (blank lines between stanzas are not counted)

• All entries must be the original work of the poet

• Submit entries by email to editor@kirklandreporter.com. Contestants also may submit entries via postal mail to: Attn: Editor, 11630 Slater Ave. N.E., Suite 8/9, Kirkland, WA 98034.

• Please include your full name, age, address and contact information. Winners will be contacted by telephone the week of Sept. 26.

• All entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23 – the first day of autumn.

A panel of local literary leaders (alliteration intended) will judge the poetry submissions, including myself, Chris Jarmick, who organizes poetry readings at Parkplace Books, and others.

The Reporter will publish the first, second and third-place winners in our Sept. 30 issue.

Winners will also be invited to read their winning selections during the 2011 Northwest Bookfest event, which will be held Oct. 1-2 at Peter Kirk Park and adjacent locations in downtown Kirkland. The city expects more than 8,000 people to attend Bookfest.

The event will feature more than 50 panel discussions and workshops on writing, editing, publishing, distribution, and marketing; special entertainment for young families and teens; and book signing will take place throughout both Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

For a complete schedule, visit www.northwestbookfest2011.com.

We look forward to reading – and publishing – your poetry!