Six Make the Shortlist for our June Writing Contest
We are so pleased to announce that SIX writers have made the shortlist for our June Write Prompt Challenge.
We try to choose images that can take authors in countless directions, and the photo of a helmeted body splayed across a rock certainly took people to some interesting places. These writers approached the provided image with wonderfully unique views that were clever and surprising.
Congratulations to Justine Berezintsev, Chanice Boyd, Connie Chen, Kristen Johnston, Pamela McHugh, and Katarina Vuckovic — we wish you well as you go on to the final stage of judging!
Justine Beresintsev| shortlisted for the story, 'Promised Land'
Justine Berezintsev is a poet and author living in Toronto/TKaronto, Ontario. A newcomer in the writing profession, she explores fiction and what it often reveals with curiosity. Her work has appeared online in Campfire’s "Story Seeds: An Anthology," Poem Stellium, and Contemporary Verse 2.
Chanice Boyd| shortlisted for the story, 'EchoFrame'
Chanice Boyd a copywriter who’s lately been wandering off the brief and into her own imagination. These days, she’s exploring fast fiction and personal essays—short and sweet, and sometimes a little sharp. When she’s not writing for work, she’s writing for herself over on Substack. Come through: @chaniceboyd
Connie Chen | shortlisted for the story, 'The Collective'
Connie Chen is a retired physician who enjoys writing and is currently working on a novel inspired by her mother.
Kristen Johnston | shortlisted for the story, 'Green in a Dead World'
Typically a nonprofit communications specialist, I am intrigued by the pain, desolation, and oddly, inspiration from dystopian sci fi and horror. I dabble in writing dystopian sci-fi and horror, drawn to the beauty hidden in bleakness.
Karen Walker| shortlisted for the story, 'We Go Every Year'
Pam McHugh lives and works in Calgary, Alberta. She has discovered the joy of creative writing in middle age. Many of Pam's ideas come from her children.
Katarina Vuckovic| shortlisted for the story, 'Mamba'
Katarina Vuckovic is a writer of poetry and short-fiction, focusing on themes of identity, gold and copper mining, plant intelligence, and connection to different lands as an immigrant. She has been published in The New Quarterly, and selected for numerous poetry awards, including shortlisted for the Bridport Prize in 2023.
Watch for our announcement of the top three in the coming weeks!
