2015 Winners
CATEGORY 1 Ages 19 – 21 (54 entries)
FIRST PLACE – “Eyes” by Hannah Froggatt, UK
Winner of a copy of The Naked Storyteller and a 30-minute private coaching session with Laura.
“It’s a validation of all the time and emotional resources I invest in my writing, and it encourages me to keep moving forward even when I feel like I’m hitting dead ends.”
SECOND PLACE – “The Last Wife” by Jorielle Pablo, Canada
Winner of a $30 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“This contest has encouraged me to share more of my stories (even if it is nerve-racking!) and to keep improving my writing skills.”
THIRD PLACE – “Love at First Sight (The Bank Door)” by Peter Nnajiofor, Nigeria
Winner of a $25 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Above all else, the result of this competition has encouraged me to write more and of course, to write better.”
FOURTH PLACE – “Mother and Daughter” by Matthew Weseman, USA
Winner of a $20 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“This is merely a first step, only a long journey awaits me.”
FIFTH PLACE – “Life More Abundant” by Meredith Green, USA
Winner of a $15 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“This is my third year entering this contest, my third year struggling to write something that was worth reading, and until now, I hadn’t even made it to the finals.”
SIXTH PLACE – “There’s a Story That Starts With a Man in a House” by Naomi Mansell, Australia
Winner of a $10 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Placing in the top 6 means to me that maybe creative writing doesn’t have to be “just” a hobby.”
There were no additional finalists in this age category.
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CATEGORY 2 Ages 17 – 18 (123 entries)
FIRST PLACE – “Spray Me Sexy” by Amy Calder, New Zealand
Winner of a copy of Polly Wants to Be a Writer and an LTC Insider Plus+ membership.
“Writing has always been my dream, but it’s something that I’m afraid to tell people about. For me, winning this gives me a boost of confidence in my ability. It has been a huge honour to be part of this competition.”
SECOND PLACE – “Crimes of the Innocent” by Emily Weatherburn, UK
Winner of a $30 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“From this competition, I’m now rethinking my degree choice for next year; before I intended to apply for English literature, but now I am going to apply for English literature with creative writing.”
THIRD PLACE – “On the Other Side” by Herminia Chow, Canada
Winner of a $25 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“More than anything, I hope to become a better writer and person with each passing day.”
FOURTH PLACE – “Ethics of Interpersonal Work” by Cole Rehbein, USA
Winner of a $20 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
FIFTH PLACE – “Rhapsody in Blue” by Hailey Viers, Canada
Winner of a $15 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Placing in this contest means that I’m closer to my original goal: to get my ideas out of my head, for people other than me to enjoy them like I do.”
SIXTH PLACE – “The Favorite Student” by Aljay M. Ambos, Philippines
Winner of a $10 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Placing 6th in this contest means that I have the capability to excel in other fields which are beyond my comfort zone.”
FINALISTS:
“Love, Alice” by Claudia Man-yiu Tam, Hong Kong
“Water Under the Bridge” by Danae Letizia, Australia
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CATEGORY 3 Ages 15 – 16 (183 entries)
FIRST PLACE – “Gardens” by Joseph Harmon, USA
Winner of a copy of The Naked Storyteller and a 30-minute private coaching session with Laura.
“I wrote a story that I wanted to tell, only thinking about the telling of it, enjoying the feeling of it taking shape in front of me, and the rest was unknown.”
SECOND PLACE – “Amy vs. the Skinned Knees” by Sophia Hu, USA
Winner of a $30 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“I am very honored to have placed 2nd. But placing 2nd means to me that I did not win. So I feel like I have room for improvement (which is a good thing!).”
THIRD PLACE – “In the Shape of a Heart” by Danielle Irene D’Alonzo, USA
Winner of a $25 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Participating in this contest was a great way for me to work on my writing skills, and placing in it has added a bit of prestige to my resume.”
FOURTH PLACE – “Leaving Home” by Parth Vaghani, UK
Winner of a $20 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“I was surprised to hear back at all. That’s all that I can really say.”
FIFTH PLACE – “Silence” by Taya Onyschtschuk, Canada
Winner of a $15 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Placing in the top 6 is really exciting for me. It proves that I have some skills that I can work on improving.”
SIXTH PLACE – “Paperback Casanova” by Monique Legaspi, USA
Winner of a $10 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“I’m motivated to work even harder for next year!”
FINALISTS:
“Aged” by Ann Liang, Australia
“Best Intentions” by Anna Ho, Canada
“Betrayal” by Sam Zhuo Lin, Malaysia
“Stay Close” by Kristen Orellana, Canada
“The Scent of Betrayal” by Ahmad Aamir, Pakistan
“Time Capsule” by D’Arcy Quan-McGimpsey, Canada
“Writings’ Effect” by Claire Hassall, Australia
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CATEGORY 4 Ages 13 – 14 (192 entries)
FIRST PLACE – “His Lucky Penny” by Morgan Gibbs, USA
Winner of a copy of Polly Wants to Be a Writer and an LTC Insider Plus+ Membership.
“I entered this contest two year ago and didn’t even place; so don’t be afraid and keep trying!”
SECOND PLACE – “Jeremiah and Harrison” by Delaney Phelps, USA
Winner of a $30 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“It’s very validating to win any contest, but especially one where you are competing against talented authors from all over the world.”
THIRD PLACE – “Perspectives” by Kayleigh Melillo, USA
Winner of a $25 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Doing so well in this contest has given me more confidence as a writer and made me very happy that something I’ve written has gotten recognition!”
FOURTH PLACE – “Be Careful What You Lie For” by Archika Dogra, USA
Winner of a $20 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Doing so well in this contest has been an incredible confidence booster regarding my writing!”
FIFTH PLACE – “Birds” by Francois Roux Kemp, South Africa
Winner of a $15 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“It’s great to see that someone other than my mom thinks I have talent!”
SIXTH PLACE – “The Last Day” by Amrita Bhasin, USA
Winner of a $10 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Placing in a contest like this means that all your hard work has paid off and it gives you a chance to feel proud of your accomplishment.”
FINALISTS:
“A New Moon” by Madison Tavernier, USA
“As Gently as the Wind” by Sylvia Nica, USA
“Broken Shards of Glass” by Maymunah Rose, USA
“Cloudreamer” by Caitlin Mitchell, USA
“Forgotten” by Lucas Campa, Spain
“Repetition” by Alice Silberling, USA
“Untouched” by Alisha Yi, USA
“With Every Faint Glimmer of Merriment Comes a Tear Drop of Sorrow” by Ashley Escobar, USA
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CATEGORY 5 Ages 11 – 12 (164 entries)
FIRST PLACE – “It Was Just for Family” by Chui Chung Ko, Hong Kong
Winner of a copy of Polly Wants to Be a Writer and a 30-minute coaching session with Laura.
“I didn’t expect myself to be a finalist when I entered, and I obviously didn’t expect myself to win first place but when I did, I was so happy I couldn’t even speak, there were practically tears in my eyes.”
SECOND PLACE – “Panic on Loving Light” by Gessienne Grey, France
Winner of a $30 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Doing well in this contest means, to me, that I have the capability to create something beautiful and affecting which other people could read and enjoy without knowing me.”
THIRD PLACE – “$10 Note” by Alisha Huang, Taiwan
Winner of a $25 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“This gives me a sign that there is a chance of me becoming a successful writer in the future.”
FOURTH PLACE – “The Inevitable” by Arnav Gunwani, India
Winner of a $20 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“I am happy to be recognized through this contest since every writer needs appreciation as much as inspiration.”
FIFTH PLACE – “Crystal Waters” by Bethany Morley, Canada
Winner of a $15 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“Doing well in this contest means a lot to me as it builds my confidence and inspires me to continue writing.”
SIXTH PLACE – “Alone” by Cristina Gandasegui, Panama
Winner of a $10 CAD coupon for the LTC store.
“This means a lot to me because I represented my country and I have always wanted to inspire people to do the things they love.”
FINALISTS:
“Asking the Lake” by Madalyn Minnick, USA
“Cold” by Ariel Horton, USA
“Goodbye Twin” by Brooke Hemingway, USA
“Yearly” by Julia Thyregod Hansen, Russia
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CATEGORY 6 – 10&U Development (Non-competitive)
Please click here to read the feedback post and find out how to claim your participation gift.
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Have a question? Please read the Frequently Asked Questions page or send a polite email requesting further information.
READ Laura’s post Short Story Introduction: A Lesson in Hooking Your Reader
Heartiest congratulations to everyone!
Even if I didn’t participate this time, it is so inspiring to see writers worldwide having a platform to be showcased and guided at. All the credit certainly goes to Ms. Laura!
Laura,
Thank you so much for hosting this amazing contest! Being chosen as a finalist has helped me immensely with my own writing dreams. I am so happy I found this contest and I am sure it has helped so many other kids who are interested in writing. I hope to enter again next year!
Thanks,
Madalyn
Thank you very much for a wonderful junior authors contest. It was a great experience.
Hi Laura
Even though I did not Place, it was a great experience for me. Can’t wait for next year!
–– and 9 to ten yers?
As it states on the main 2015 contest page, the 10&U category was non-competitive this year, which means there are no winners chosen. Here is the feedback post for this age group: READ this.
Hi Laura,
Thank you so much for making this contest. I’m so thrilled that I won fifth place! This is such an honour and I thank you for letting us participate for free. There is not many writing contests for younger people and I’m so happy that we can have the opportunity to enter and test our abilities. I hope to be able to enter next year as well.
Dear Laura,
Do the top 6 get a certificate or only just the prize?
Thank you.
Hi Alisha. Certificate of achievement and the prize.
Good job, everyone! I can’t wait to read your fantastic stories. I always look forward to reading them, and learning about what I can do better next year. Thank you, Laura, for hosting this wonderful contest.