What an exciting time! The twenty stories from our longlist were poured over by our judging panel until we landed on a list we can’t wait to share with you. Not only does this selection offer stories that celebrate diversity, it presents eight unique takes on the very broad theme of ‘Small Town Summer Nights’, resulting in a final collection that will be an enjoyable read for anyone.

These eight stories will go on to be published in a print and digital collection that will be available for purchase in the new year. One grand prize winner will be chosen from the eight by our special guest judge, Marina L. Reed, and they will be awarded a cash prize of just over $210 in December.

 Congratulations to Crystal Randall Barnett, Daryl Bruce, Finnian Burnett, Alyssa Bushell, Casey Fehr, Jennifer Moffatt, Noa Padawer-Blatt, and Karen Walker!

 The GRAND PRIZE winner was announced during a live Zoom event on Wednesday December 7, 2022. Watch the replay posted below and hear each finalist read an excerpt from their winning story.

Meet the Finalists and the authors who will be featured in the anthology, Small Town Summer Nights


The anthology is now available for pre-orders

Royalties on every sale will be paid out to all eight writers. This is a great way to support Canadian authors as well as supporting Blank Spaces magazine and our efforts to encourage creatives.