Several Nanaimo-area writers have more confidence in their writing after several big wins.

By Spencer Sterritt

written word

Nanaimo-area writers win big in short fiction contest

May 20, 2019 | 3:22 AM

NANAIMO — Emerging voices from Nanaimo’s art scene now have wind in their creative sails.

Several local writers won or earned honourable mentions at the Islands Short Fiction Contest, presented in late April at the Vancouver Island Regional Library’s harbourfront branch.

Young author Charlotte Taylor won the youth category for her story “Calm Before the Storm.”

“This beautifully written piece begins with a low tension that builds throughout the story until we arrive at an ending we suddenly realize was inevitable,” youth judge Lee Losell said of the story.

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Fellow Nanaimo writer Yinan Cao was runner-up with Kaitlyn Ha and Linnea Wiggers representing the harbour city as honourable mentions in the category.

Parksville writer Jonathan Lyster, who came in second in the adult category, said writing challenges like the Islands Short Fiction Contest are an ideal way for young writers to find their voices.

“It’s one thing to give your story to your mother, father or best friends and get their feedback. But…when you get this kind of validation from someone with zero stakes in your life, it’s really validating about what you do.”

The junior category was filled with Nanaimo-area writers. Thunya Dudley of Nanoose took the first-place prize. Cadence Millsap, Julia Ratzlaff and Tarika Stitt each received an honourable mention.

Lyster said contests also pose interesting restrictions which help craft a writer, such as it has to be of a specific length or genre to get them trying something new.

“We have such an image today of kids having their faces buried in their phones or sitting at a computer. You know, some of those kids staring at their phones are writing a story on it, or when they’re staring at a computer they’re learning something new they want to write about.”

Nanaimo authors Delani Valin and Robert Bowerman both earned honourable mentions in the adult category.

Over $2,200 in cash and prizes was given to the winners of various categories.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit