We are pleased to announce the winner, runner-up, and honorable mentions for our Spring Writing Contest. Thank you to everyone who submitted their work.

This contest was judged by Alli Prince. Hailing from Las Vegas, Alli is a full-time apprentice at The Company. Learn more about her and grab a free devotional at her website, AlliPrince.com.

We are pleased to announce Madison Esshaki as the winner of our spring writing contest for her short story, “Look Alive.”

Madison is a fifteen year old author living in Michigan. She is the oldest of twelve children and loves spending time with her siblings. When she isn’t writing, you can find her obsessing over musical theatre, playing the piano, or painting.

Per the judge’s notes, Madison’s story “was well-paced, richly descriptive, and emotionally invigorating. It encourages us to remember that, no matter our hardships, we still have worth and the power to act.”

“Look Alive” rose above the competition to stand out as a clear winner in this quarter’s writing contest.

Madison’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 “Look Alive” when it’s published soon.

Runner-Up

“Day One” by Katelyn Flatt takes our second-place prize.

According to the contest judge, “this unique, action-packed zombie-thriller took quite a literal take on our theme ‘breakthrough’ and was set apart from the rest.”

While an office manager by trade, Katelyn Flatt is an artist of endless mediums by nature. She can often be found writing, sketching, crocheting, and chasing whatever creative rabbit trail happens to catch her attention.

Katelyn 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.

Honorable Mention

The following stories were close contenders for the price and deserve recognition:

“The Other Hand” by Victoria Gatto

“Anchor Your Soul and Proceed with Dignity” by Karis Johnson

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. This is an awesome opportunity to hear real, unbiased critique of your work so that you can improve it.

About the writing contest judge: Alli Prince

This contest was judged by Alli Prince, a first-year apprentice at The Company. Alli joined The Company from Las Vegas, Nevada, and is spending two years with us at our campus in Cambridge, Ohio.

Alli is passionate about sharing joy, even in life’s most troublesome circumstances. Read her blog at AlliPrince.com and grab her free 5-day devotional here.

You can also find Alli’s own short story featured on The Pearl here: “Nothingness” by Alli Prince.

Summer Writing Contest

Our Summer Writing Contest is now open. We’re looking for short stories on the theme “Unlikely Adventures.” Submissions close on September 1, 2023. Learn more about this contest here. This contest will be judged by Thirzah to celebrate the release of her new book, The Librarian’s Ruse, which hits bookstores everywhere in August!

This contest is free to enter, and you retain the rights to your work. Take advantage of this opportunity and submit today.

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