We are pleased to announce the winner, runner-up, and honorable mentions for our Fall Writing Contest. Thank you to everyone who submitted their work. It takes real guts to put your work out there, and we received a number of great submissions.
We asked for your best short stories on the theme “Pumpkin Spice.” We received so many fun applications of this theme. We read about aliens, monsters, and yummy fall-themed drinks!
This contest was judged by The Company’s first-ever graduate of our full-time apprenticeship program, Thirzah, in celebration of her latest book: A Traitor’s Vow!
A lie can only last for so long…
When Amelia learns the dark truth behind the Vilnarian Empire’s schemes, she must decide once and for all which path to take. Will she escape to the safety and warmth of her homeland, or take the path leading her back into danger—back to the charming Emperor Kyvir?
In a world of spies, false identities, and kingdoms at war, Amelia can no longer trust anyone…not even herself.
Will Amelia succeed in toppling a corrupt empire bent on conquest, or will she lose everything that she’s ever loved?
Get your copy today: https://amzn.to/3VQlFgT
All submissions were judged “blind.” Thirzah did not receive the name or any information about the submitting authors. Winning stories were selected based on literary merit alone.
Grand Prize Winner
We are pleased to announce Breanna Siburt as the winner of our fall writing contest for her short story, “A Taste of Someone’s Home”!
After much deliberation, “A Taste Of Someone’s Home” rose above the competition.
According to Thirzah, “‘A Taste of Someone’s Home’ is a fun, witty read that took an unexpected and entertaining twist with the theme of Pumpkin Spice. It had me laughing the whole way through.”
Breanna Siburt is the Relationship Education Director at Open Arms Pregnancy Center. She is passionate about creating stories, songs, and art for the glory of God. She currently resides in Cambridge, Ohio with her husband, Joseph, and her dog, Bean.
Breanna’s story will be published to The Pearl. She’ll also receive a $100 Amazon gift card to Amazon.
The Pearl is publishing new short stories, essays, and poetry ever week. Check it out at PearlMag.co, and subscribe so that you don’t miss “A Taste of Someone’s Home” when it’s published.
Runner-Up
“Loneliness Leaving” by Madison Kanagy has claimed our second-place prize.
As Thirzah said, “‘Loneliness Leaving’ is a sweet story filled with hope, warmth, and pumpkin spice. The message it sends is powerful, important, and left me with a smile on my face.”
Madison Kanagy is a homeschooled writer based in Pennsylvania where she writes poetry and short stories. She dreams of someday writing books that appeal to young generations, but promotes biblical values and authenticity. Madison loves Jesus, and her biggest goal is to reflect His holy character every day.
Madison will receive $50 to spend in The Company Store. Check out some of the stuff that’s been added, including cool t-shirts, mugs, and more. You won’t want to miss our new “Write Your Way Out of the Dark” design.
Honorable Mention
There were four stories that were close contenders for a prize and deserve special recognition:
“Atha” by Madison Esshaki
“Cosmic Latte is the Color of Space” by Sophia Monastra
“A Tale of Pumpkin Muffins” by Annabelle King
“Putting the Spice in Pumpkin Spice” by Emily Gwaltney
Thanks for the privilege of reading and considering these stories! We know you’ll find a home for them soon, and we can’t wait to see you share them with the world!
Thank you for submitting
Thank you to everyone who took a risk and submitted to this contest. It takes guts to put yourself out there.
We hope that you’ll try again.
While our judge can’t give feedback on the submissions we received, we encourage you to bring your piece to our next writers workshop or procritique. This is an awesome opportunity to hear real, unbiased critique of your work so that you can improve it.
About the Contest Judge: Thirzah
The fall writing contest was judged by Thirzah.
Thirzah lives in Bryans Road, Maryland. She graduated from The Company’s full-time apprenticeship program in 2023.
Thirzah is the author of The Librarian’s Ruse and A Traitor’s Vow. Find the complete Adventures in Eldaire series on Amazon here.
Learn more about Thirzah and grab her free worldbuilding tools on her website, ThirzahWrites.com.
Winter Writing Contest
Ready for the next contest? Our Winter Writing Contest has already been announced!
We want stories of gadgets, gizmos, and clever fabrications in this writing contest!
The winter writing contest theme is “A Peculiar Invention,” and we want to see what sort of story you can forge. Is your story going to be about an inconceivable device? Will it be about a lie someone invented or a clever excuse they dreamed up? Maybe your story isn’t about the inventions created, but the friends made along the way! Check out the details here!
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