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Annual short story and poetry contest winners announced

Winners were revealed at the first independent author book fair

Winners of the eighth annual Short Story and Poetry Writing Contest in Quesnel were revealed on Saturday, June 11.

Bernice Heinzleman congratulated the inspiring authors and poets at the Quesnel and Districts Arts and Recreation Centre where the Independent Author Book Fair was taking place.

Each submission about “life’s comedy of errors” was independently reviewed by a panel of judges, who decided it would not be fair to penalize poetry submissions by Grade 10-12 students after their instructor mistakenly had them write about last year’s theme “it’s in our nature.”

“A very special thank you to all our judges who spent several hours reading your work and writing comments,” Heinzelman said.

“Thank you to everyone who entered the poetry and short writing contest.”

Winners were provided with certificates and monetary prizes of $75 for first, $50 for second, $25 for third and $10 for honorable mention.

Read More: Authors connect at independent book fair

Aatu Karjala-Fox won first in adult poetry, followed by Karen Steinson and Carly Lornsten. Adult short story winners included Meriel Wild, David Smithers, and Liz Anne Eyford, with Melissa Smith and Katelyn Folkins receiving honourable mentions.

There were also winners from students in Grade 7 to 12.

In Grade 7-9 poetry, Quinn Carlson won first place, followed by Jacob Craig Lepetich and Ryan Mosher. An honorable mention went to Mackenzie Gilks. Winners in Grade 10-12 poetry included Violette Veley (first), Carter Zappone (second) and Olivia Trimble (third), with honourable mentions going to Kimber Richter and Nevaeh Kueber-McHone.

Lauren Gittens was named first-place winner in Grade 7-9 short stories, followed by Juniper Lee-Parmley and Jonas Davies.

The winners were invited to read their winning work aloud after the award presentation.

“It was nice to be able to do that and be together in person because the few last years, we just had them come in one by one and take their pictures and leave because of Covid,” Heinzelman said.

“So it’s been a joy to have everyone together and see their faces.”

Read More: Quesnel writers can submit poetry in 2021 annual writing contest

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com



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