#USA #Northampton #Tom Howard Contest #Shelby Stewart #Bea Chang

Celebrating Literary Excellence: Winners of the 33rd Annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Contest

The literary world has recently celebrated the talents of emerging writers with the announcement of the winners of the 33rd Annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Organized by Winning Writers, this prestigious contest highlights exceptional works in both fiction and nonfiction, drawing entries from around the globe.

In this year's competition, Shelby Stewart, hailing from Sacramento, California, took home the coveted first prize of $3,500 for her poignant fiction piece titled "Going and Going and Going." This emotional narrative explores the tragic decline of a teenage girl from terminal cancer, perceived through the eyes of her younger sister. The story delicately encapsulates themes of envy and loss as the sister grapples with her feelings toward her sibling's fading beauty and popularity. Seasonal imagery artfully parallels the tale's emotional landscape, contrasting the vibrancy of autumn against the chilling onset of winter. Mina Manchester, the final judge for the fiction contest, remarked on the profound impact of Stewart's writing, noting the older sister's efforts to shield her family from grief even before her demise, making the emotional weight of the story all the more compelling.

On the nonfiction front, the first prize also valued at $3,500 was awarded to Bea Chang from Seattle, Washington, for her insightful essay "Requiem for a Bubble Tea." With a poignant blend of personal narrative and cultural exploration, Chang's essay embarks on a quest for a lost flavor from her homeland, prompting reflections on the dualities of identity that come with emigration. The piece deftly examines the complexities of language barriers and cultural heritage, particularly in the relationship with her Taiwanese grandparents. Manchester praised Chang's work for its evocative depiction of how the search for a cherished taste can lead to a greater understanding of one's roots, capturing the essence of familial bonds and the sense of impermanence associated with memory.

In addition to the grand prizes, twelve authors received Honorable Mentions, each awarded $500 for their remarkable entries. These writers include Paul Curley, Joan Dempsey, Lucinda Dhavan, and several others who showcased impressive storytelling talents. The top 14 entries, alongside comments from the judges, have been published online on the Winning Writers website, allowing readers to appreciate the diverse voices that participated in this year's contest.

As the contest continues to gain momentum, the call for entries for the 34th Annual Tom Howard/John H. Reid Contest has already opened, running until May 1, 2026. Aspiring authors can submit their works, with a maximum word count of 6,000 words for a fee of $25 per entry, encouraging even more writers to engage with this literary opportunity.

Mina Manchester’s tenure as the contest judge has come to a close, paving the way for Tamra Badgett to take up the mantle in 2026. This change marks a new chapter for the contest, promising fresh insights and perspectives as Badgett guides the process moving forward. Meanwhile, Sarah Halper continues as the dedicated screening assistant, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

Winning Writers not only hosts this contest but also sponsors the North Street Book Prize, the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, and the no-fee Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. Recognized by Writer's Digest as one of the "101 Best Websites for Writers," Winning Writers strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for authors of all styles and genres. As we celebrate this year's winners, we anticipate the exciting stories and essays that will emerge in the future, further enriching the landscape of contemporary literature.