2026 Contest Winners

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Congratulations! We’re happy to announce the winners of the 18th annual WOTR Writers Competition!  These six regional writers will share $1,200 in cash awards for their excellent work.  You can learn more about them and read their winning entries below, and you can meet them as invited guest readers at the April 30 Four Minutes of Fame.
 

FICTION WINNERS:

First Place:  Alyssa Bones, Wenatchee (“Body Count”)  

Second Place:  Eric Stadelman, Walla Walla  (“The Blue Truck” )

Third Place:  Second time winner Ann McCreary, Twisp (“Me and Greta”)
 

NONFICTION WINNERS:

First Place:  MaxieJane Frazier, Riverside (“A Missing Peace”)

Second Place:  Third time winner Susan Gillin, Wenatchee (“Dear Kevin”)

Third Place:  Clare Garrity, Wenatchee (“Swedish Goodbye”)

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Winning writers are invited to read their work at the Four Minutes of Fame open mic at the Milepost 111 Brewery in Cashmere on April 30, 2026. See more information on that event here.

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The competition limits writers to 1000 words of a finished piece or the start of a longer work, which are judged on clarity, depth and impact. In addition to cash prizes, the annual competition offers writers the option of three independent critiques of their submitted work.

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Learn about the writers and read their submissions below!