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The TWG 2009 Fiction Contest

Just over three years ago, Bryn Jones, an honest-to-goodness character (who was mostly both honest and good), got the idea in his head that we - The Terrace Writers' Guild - should run a contest to encourage Northern writers. And he not only came up with the idea, he put up prize money.

The TWG Fiction Contest was officially born, and generous members of our region's community came aboard to help make it the source of inspiration, motivation, and celebration of Northern writing that it has become.

Sadly, Bryn passed away early in 2009. He is greatly missed and we dedicate this year's contest to him - his kind heart, feisty spirit, and quirky, dry wit. Wherever you are, Bryn, we know you're philosophizing.

~ All of us from TWG


FIRST PLACE: "The Hero Campaign"
by Valerie Laub, Smithers, BC

Valerie received $250.00 from UNBC and paid publication in Northword Magazine.

Judges' comment: This story works really well and creates a nice juxtaposition between being ominous and optimistic at the same time. A refreshing departure from the ordinary, it poses questions that make it go beyond being just a story.


SECOND PLACE: "The Butterfly Jar"
by Jess Dafoe, Terrace, BC

Jess received $150.00 from Marion Olson of Terrace Re/Max.

Judges' comment: "The Butterfly Jar" (which came in very close to number one) strikes a chord with readers because it emphasizes the heartache that comes with causing incredible pain unintentionally. Readers can relate to the desire to be good and to make good decisions, as well as to the sense of guilt that comes when you go against your better judgment.


THIRD PLACE: "Brave Girls"
by Charlotte Linford, Hazelton, BC

Charlotte received $75.00 from saz communications, Terrace, BC.

Judges' comment: This story has an important message without being didactic, and captures a teen voice very well.


The Terrace Writers' Guild would like to thank all those writers across the North who submitted stories this year. Although only three submissions could be officially chosen as winners, many of the other entries were great stories with excellent potential. Keep writing and keep putting your stories out there - and remember our contest again next year.

A special thank-you also needs to go out the judges, Sarah Zimmerman of saz communications, Jen Brubacher, and Benjamin Bradford, as well as to the TWG 2009 Fiction Contest sponsors: UNBC, Northword Magazine, saz communications, and Marion Olson of Re/Max. Their continued support makes the contest possible, and the way they value and encourage Northern writers is much appreciated.


About the Judges:

Benjamin Bradford is a writer, IT manager and expert programmer with over 20 years of experience. He has written monologue jokes for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as for small comedy troupes such as Gordon's Big Bald Head and the 11:02 show, and the same genius who created the comedic utility website blanksheetofpaper.com. Bradford is currently working on The Worst Novel Ever Written and is playing "Lou" in the upcoming Terrace Little Theatre production "Bedtime Stories."

Jen Brubacher is a librarian now residing in London, England. She writes mysteries, ghost stories, spy novels, and short stories about evil children. She lived in Terrace, BC for several great years working at the Terrace Public Library (which she misses very much) and was the winner of the 1st TWG Fiction Contest in 2007.

Sarah Zimmerman is a passionate reader and writer who thoroughly enjoys the judging process of the annual Terrace Writers' Guild fiction award. A former journalist turned public relations consultant, words are a way of life for Zimmerman. Originally from Edmonton, Zimmerman is celebrating 10 years of living in northwestern BC and is constantly amazed by the strength of the artists in the north.


Thanks again to our sponsors:


   
 
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