Photo by Fidel Fernando on Unsplash
This year we had a tremendous response to our annual writing contest, and I want to thank everyone who submitted. We received 177 submissions, almost double from last year. And I want to congratulate the three winners and the five honorable mentions. These eight stories have stayed with me long after reading them. And each one has left me with hope.
Here’s a message from our wonderful guest judge, Melissa Llanes Brownlee. Be sure to check out her website and preorder her new book which will be out later this year, “Bitter Over Sweet.”
Dearest Readers of Gooseberry Pie,
Thank you so much to everyone who entered Gooseberry Pie’s 2nd Annual Contest! I was blown away by the shortlist and can only imagine how difficult it was for Jeff to narrow down all of your amazing entries to just 15 micros. Even within the shortlist, the way every writer approached my prompt was inventive and inspirational. I was so grateful for the speculative elements as well as the contemplative. I wish I could have chosen all of you for first place. Truly. I hope that you enjoy all of the pieces I have selected and congratulations to Sumitra, Tiffany, and Kathryn as well as to the honorable mentions: Dawn, Eileen, Ani, Christine, and Jessica!
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Melissa
And the winning stories….
First Place: The Undulating Movement of The Predatory Arthropod at the 10-Year College Reunion by Sumitra Singam
Second Place: Chitin by Tiffany Harris
Third Place: How to Plant a Garden in the Apocalypse by Kathryn Kulpa
Honorable Mention (alphabetical order):
1. Girl, You Ain’t Missing Nothing by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
2. Goat Song by Eileen Tomarchio
3. Love Buzz Cut, a Story About a Girl by Ani King
4. Secret Recipe by Christine H. Chen
5. This Is Very Concerning by Jessica Klimesh
Gooseberry Pie now publishes a new issue the second Thursday of each month. Our next issue will be out on Thursday June 12, 2025. Submissions are always open and never a fee.
