Wind & Water Writing Contest

We are excited to be back with the 3rd annual Wind & Water Writing Contest! We’ve covered themes such as Exploring and Memory, and this year, in light of our challenging times, we’re looking for submissions that examine the concept of Unity. Interpret the theme in unique, exciting and creative ways. Unite threads on a literary loom, tether emotions in a poetic stanza, or bond characters through tantalizing plot lines. Surprise us, delight us, but above all, be brave and send in your creative writing!

We are seeking submissions from writers of the Quinte and Prince Edward County region for a host of prizes, recognition and celebration! In the past, we have had winners who are both seasoned and emerging writers. Judging is blind to ensure impartiality.

Prizes

1st Prize for Fiction/Non-fiction: $200, published in Artscene (our monthly newsletter with over 1200 subscribers) and on our website and shared on social media.
Honourable Mention for Fiction/Non-fiction: Published on our website and a 10-page consult with Kelly S. Thompson.
1st Prize for Poetry: $200, published in Artscene (our monthly newsletter with over 1200 subscribers) and on our website and shared on social media.
Honourable Mention Poetry: Published on our website and a five-poem consult with Kelly S. Thompson.
Winners in both categories will also be invited to appear on Artscene on 99.3FM, to discuss their win and writing.

Rules

Pieces can be any genre, but poetry will be a separate prize, and fiction and non-fiction as a joint prize.
Pieces should be no longer than 1750 words.
Writers may enter as often as they like.
The piece submitted cannot be previously published (this includes blogs and social media).
Only emailed entries will be considered.
The written piece cannot be under consideration for a prize elsewhere until the winners are announced.
Ensure your name does not appear on your submission anywhere except on the cover letter.
You must reside in the Quinte region or Prince Edward County. (If you are uncertain of whether or not your location fits within the guidelines, simply email us at windandwaterwriting@gmail.com).
Entries must be accompanied by a $15 entry fee and $10 for additional entries.
Prince Edward County Arts Council and Quinte Arts Council members pay only $10 and $5 for each additional submission.
The contest judges reserve the right to dismiss any submissions that do not meet the guidelines above.
Only writers who are longlisted will be notified by email. The longlist will be announced on social media and our website in mid-May, 2021, with the shortlist announced shortly after. Winners to follow by end May.

How to Enter

The deadline for submissions is extended to April 15, 2021 at midnight!
Include a cover letter with your name, title, genre, word count, contact info, and a short bio. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR GENRE.
Include your title on every page of your entry in the header.
Number every page.
Select the PayPal drop down menu item for your first or additional payment. Once complete, note your order number and include that your cover letter as proof of payment.
Send all submissions by email, in PDF or a WORD DOC only, along with proof of payment to windandwaterwriting@gmail.com.
You will receive an email within a few days, acknowledging receipt of your submission.
Wait for the winners and start writing something new!

About the Judges

Kelly S. Thompson is a retired military officer who holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia and is a PhD candidate in Literary and Critical Studies at the University of Gloucestershire. Kelly won the House of Anansi Press Golden Anniversary Award for fiction, the 2014 and 2017 Barbara Novak Award for Personal Essay, and was shortlisted for Room magazine’s 2013 and 2014 creative nonfiction awards, placing 2nd in the 2019 competition. Her essays have appeared in several anthologies and in publications such as Chatelaine, Maclean’s, Maisonneuve, and more. Her memoir, Girls Need Not Apply, released summer 2019, was an instant Globe and Mail bestseller and rated one of the top 100 books of the year. Her next memoir, Still, I Cannot Save You, will release with McClelland & Stewart in May, 2022.

Dorian Widling is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. He has written several short stories and is currently working on a historical novel set in 18th century France. Dorian is also an award-winning photographer, having taken several prizes at the Department of National Defence Photo Competition, as well as having won a commendation from the judges at the Sony World Photography Awards. Dorian’s images have been shown in places as far as Grosvenor Gallery in London, UK, and his work is held in private collections across North and South America.

Past Contest Winners

2020 Poetry Prize: Shauna Haugen for Morning Swims
2019 Poetry Prize: JC Sulzenko writing as A. Garnett Weiss for Sacred place where each thing speaks itself
2020 Fiction/Non-fiction Prize: Andrew Binks for Mona’s Roadkill (Fiction)
2020 Fiction/Non-fiction Prize: Gabriele Cole for Life Changing Events That Never Happen (Non-fiction)