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.
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
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
*
CATEGORY 6 – 10&U Development (Non-competitive)
Please click here to read the feedback post and find out how to claim your participation gift.
*
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
I had an idea that would be kind of interesting: if there was a post that listed Every writer that was judged in this contest – with story title, author name, and country. Because you never do see everyone, and I know it feels like ‘why did I enter, it made no difference’ when you aren’t someone who placed. If there was a list, then at least there would be some sense of ‘there, I was here.’
Trying is important, I know adult writers who’ve never entered a contest. If you tried, you are brave.
On a separate topic:
Would it be possible to give away the coupon I got for fifth place? I really don’t like shopping (extreme, strange introvert, here) and it’s even worse with gift certificates or online. It’d be a personal relief more than anything if I never had to use an online coupon.
Thank you.
Hi Hailey. 1) I don’t have time to type up the names of over 800 participants. 2) You can forego the coupon. That’s okay with me.
Thank you anyways.
I’ll have a think about the coupon.
Oh my goodness!
I can’t believe that I actually won a first place award!
Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. This contest is such a great outlet for young authors like myself, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll continue to do with it. I thoroughly enjoyed every single aspect of this contest, from the creative process to the thrill of finding out that I had actually won!
Again, thank you so much Laura. It means the world to me that you care enough about young adult writers in order to hold this contest every single year.
I can’t believe that this has happened! I am so happy. I only discovered this competition this year (only about a day before as well) but I know that if I had found it when I was younger I would have loved to enter too. Thank-you so much Laura for providing me and other young people with this opportunity. I will definitely be entering again next year, and for the next few until I’m too old. Congratulations to all the winners, I can’t wait to read all of your stories! Love from NZ =]
Congratulations, Amy! Can’t wait to read your story – definitely an intriguing title
And a great big thank you to Laura, for putting on this competition and giving us all such a wonderful opportunity.
Congratulations to all the winners! I can’t wait to read all of your stories!
Congratulations to the winners!
Hi Laura,
My two daughters entered the story writing competition. They are age 9 and 8. How can they claim there certificates please fpr the under 10 category?
Many Thanks,
To clarify, this group did not receive certificates of any kind. The participation gift is a copy of my short story workbook. View the article here. I sent an email to the 10&U group on August 15th with information on how to claim your copy. If you cannot find the email, please email me.
Hi Laura, I just wanted to ask if the winners will be notified with the results earlier than the announcement or not??
No, they won’t. I do not release results in advance.
Oh sorry. I thought that the winners are notified early as they have testimonials with their name. I guess those testimonials come after the announcement.
Hi Ahmad. Yes, they do.
i knew i was going to lose
Hi Sebas. How did you know?
I lost… I knew I sucked thanks for everything laura and thanks for this contest it was so much fun
but I am giving up on writing for good I suck too much
Hi Michelle. I’ve been there. I’ve felt what you are feeling. It will pass. Be strong. Tell your literary dragon to be quiet and let you get on with learning your craft.
Don’t give up!
Proffesional writers are just amateurs like us who never quit.
– Richard Bach.
And you can’t judge yourself based on one measly story or one rejection, Michelle. The first contest I applied for rejected me flat out- I didn’t even make it to the second round of judging! Don’t give up!
Don’t give up. I felt the same way when I was rejected for this competition. There are a lot of children who entered this contest. It may not have been your writing that got you disqualified it may have been your grammar. I just recently tried for jblog and I edited my work over and over and then I got a letter saying that you should not send first drafts you could imagine my frustration. But now I am trying to learn proper grammar and spelling and soon I’ll be entering again. Maybe it was you writing but you can get better by keep on writing every day. Let’s remember J K Rowling was denied 8 times for Harry Potter and now she is a billionaire so don’t give up.
Hi Alexis. I love your frankness, and I’m glad to hear that you are “trying to learn proper grammar and spelling.” Your attitude is a very good one for a writer to have. Sometimes we think that talent is all that it takes to get a piece of writing published. The truth is that talent is only worth about 5%, the rest is learning the craft and the ins and outs of the business.
Yep, J.K. Rowling, arguably one of the best writers of this generation, was rejected not eight but twelve times. Never give up! Don’t let the results of one competition define your talent.
Don’t say that! I had a lot of trouble, too. At first, I was writing dully, no describing words of anything. Then I wrote too short of chapters. And after that, I still struggle! Never, never, never ever give up. I sucked too, at the beginning. Everyone sucked once. At least they did when they didn’t know how to write! Practice makes perfect. I know you will be an amazing writer one day, as will thousands of other writers.
Hi Laura,
The stories which have not make it to prize this time.
Is there any opportunity for them to make changes according to your feedback and publish them in your magazine?
Thanks and Regards
Suchitra
Hi Suchitra. As you may know, the only two types of short stories we currently consider for jaBlog! are:
1) stories based on the prompt of the month
2) Polly fanfiction
If a contest story fits either of those themes, then it can certainly be submitted.