Cultural Council Inaugurates Competition Series             The Cultural Council of Cortland County is calling all writers, toastmasters, and composers to consider submitting their work for consideration for publication, performance, and prize money during the 2007-2008 academic year.  A first place award of $75 is being offered in each competition in each of two age categories---under 21 years of age, and over 21. Judges have been recruited from published writers and composers and noted leaders in the county.             The first deadline is December 1 for writers. Writing submissions can be fiction, non-fiction, short story, script, a single chapter from a full-length book ---anything but poetry. The writing should demonstrate effective use of the English language in the service of whatever genre is chosen by the author. For example, a short story should delineate plot, create atmosphere, demonstrate character development, and show command of grammar and effective word usage. An essay should demonstrate a command of language in forming a cogent argument.  Literary submissions are limited to 4500 words.             The second competition is for public speaking, with entrants invited to participate in some of the County Bicentennial events being planned in 2008. The deadline for submission of a written version of a speech or dramatic oration is March 15. The topic must be related in some way to the Bicentennial, the history, or the future of Cortland County.             The musical composition competition has a deadline of May 15. While the Cultural Council will arrange performances of winning works for the Fall of 2008, composers are urged to consider available performing groups in the county when preparing their manuscripts. Composers’ input will, of course, also be solicited in the preparation of performances.             Click HERE to view details on how to submit works.