Short Story Contest, Writer’s Workshops at Champaign Library

Love to write? Hone your skills and connect with other writers at our Writer’s Workshops. We launched the series in spring 2019, combining hands-on workshops taught by experts and an annual Short Story Contest for community members.

Writer’s Workshops | Summer 2022

Wednesdays, 7 pm
Meets at Main Library

• Jun 1, Revamping the Classics – Jeanette Watts
• Jun 15, Solving Your Story Problems – Ekta Garg

• Jul 13,  Creative Writing – Jim O'Brien
• Jul 20, How to Beat Writer's Block  – John Milas

• Aug 3,  Learn to Write a Memorable Mystery – Molly MacRae
• Aug 17, Writers Lounge

Short Story Contest Winners

Our 2021 Short Story Contest included entries from community members who participated in the Writer’s Workshops series. The top three stories were read  publicly and the awards were announced at a ceremony in November. The judges were Ashanti Files, John Milas, and Molly Thornton. Congratulations to the winners!

• 1st Place Winner – James F. Smith, “A Portrait of Entropy” | Read story »
• 2nd Place Winner – J.L. Barr, “Good Things” | Read story »
• 3rd Place Winner – Louise Audrieth, “An Unkindness of Ravens” | Read story »

First place winner of the 2021 Short Story Contest, James F. Smith.

2020 Winners

• 1st Place Winner – Andrea Alghalith, “Lulu” | Read story »
• 2nd Place Winner – Bethan Owen, “Seashell Bones” | Read story »
• 3rd Place Winner – Louise Audrieth, “Sarah and Me” | Read story »

First place winner of the 2020 Short Story Contest, Andrea Alghalith.

2019 Winners

• 1st Place Winner – Jessica Launius, “To the West” | Read story »
• 2nd Place Winner – Murillo Soranso, “Questions” | Read story »
• 3rd Place Winner – Julie Wagner, “First Haunt” | Read story »

Winners of the 2019 Short Story Contest (from left): Murillo Soranso, second place; Julie Wagner, third place; and Jessica Launius, first place.