Pamlico Writers’ Group is seeking a poet, but not just any poet — this one will take on the title of Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate.

The writers’ group is hosting a blind competition for the new position. The role calls for a poet to present poetry at events and in schools, promote poetry itself as an art form in workshops, through media and social media. In exchange, the Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate will receive a cash award of $1,000 and a free year’s membership to Arts of the Pamlico.

“We are doing a search — it’s our first-ever search — for the Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate to represent all of eastern North Carolina and promote poetry as a form of communication that is meaningful. Someone who’s not afraid to be a public figure and promote it with a passion,” said Eileen Lettick, a steering committee member of Pamlico Writers’ Group.

The competition opened on Sept. 15 and will run until Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. Entrants are asked to submit an application form that can found on the group’s website, a less-than 500 word statement about how the poet plans to fulfill the position, a sample of three to five poems, two personal references and an entry fee of $10 for PWG members; $35 for non-members.

The blind competition will be judged by East Carolina University professor and novelist, short-story writer and poet Luke Whisnant; poet, ECU professor and Washington resident John Hoppenthaler; and poet and workshop director Phillip Shabazz.

“They are distinguished poets in their own rights,” Lettick said.

The three judges will narrow down the field to five poets, and the finalists will be required to attend a Feb. 3 event at the Turnage Theatre, where they will read their poems in front of a live audience that includes the judges. The first Heart of the Pamlico Poet Laureate will be announced that night.

“It should be a well-attended event and something that will be a lot of fun, too, because it will be like our own little reality show,” Lettick said.

PWG members decided to create the position in honor of one of the group’s founders, Jerry Cuthrell, who died last year. Lettick said they could think of no better tribute to Cuthrell, especially considering the resurging popularity of poetry.

“Many would say we’re going through the golden years of poetry,” Lettick said. “People are being more creative and more vocal with their thoughts, and writing them down on paper is a great way to communicate them.”

For more information about the competition or to submit an application, visit the PWG website at www.pamlicowritersgroup.org.