The Nanaimo Arts Council are now accepting submissions for their annual Islands Short Fiction Review, where writers of all ages can submit their short fiction stories for a chance to win prizes and be published in a magazine. (Image Credit: Dreamstime)

By Jordan Davidson

literary work

‘Show their creative spirit:’ Nanaimo-based Islands Short Fiction Review now accepting stories

Feb 11, 2026 | 1:44 PM

NANAIMO — Vancouver Island writers of all ages and skill levels have a chance to win some prizes and have their work published.

The Nanaimo Arts Council (NAC) is now accepting written submissions of under 2,000 words for the 2026 Islands Short Fiction Review (ISFR).

ISFR program coordinator Amelia Watford said the stories will be divided into three age categories: youth (12 and under), junior (13-18), and adult (19+).

“A literary contest that encourages the development of creative writing skills from authors…supporting and encouraging authors who haven’t had a chance to express themselves or are just emerging in the writing craft.”

The contest is open to anyone on Vancouver Island, including the Gulf Islands, with the deadline to submit being March 8.

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NAC will host an in-person awards ceremony on April 25 at the Vancouver Island Regional Library in North Nanaimo, with $2,000 in cash shared amongst the winners.

Watford said the submitted work will be reviewed anonymously by a panel before the winners are decided by the judges, with the winning order kept underwraps until they’re presented on the award night.

From there, the top short stories will be published in the Sea Wolf Journal, described as a literary journal for writers and readers in the Pacific Northwest.

Copies which include the winning stories will be available at local libraries following publication.

“One of my favourites was actually written by a younger person, under 12, and it was about this horse named Merigold, who went on an adventure to save her sister, and it was just so funny and really, really amazing to see people like youth show their creative spirit, show how they’re emerging as writers,” said Watford. “Especially as someone who has been writing for a long time, it’s just beautiful to see the craft of writing is still passionate in young kids.”

More information on the 2026 ISFR can be found here on their website.

Writers in three categories can submit fictional stories under 2,000 words to the 2026 Islands Short Fiction Review for a chance to win some prizes and have their work published. (Image Credit: Nanaimo Arts Council)

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