Short Story Contest, Writer’s Workshops at Champaign Library

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

You’ll find listings of the latest workshops here, along with links to read stories by all the contest winners.

Writer’s Workshops

Wednesdays at 7 pm
• Nov 20, Short Story Awards Ceremony & Reading, 7 pm
• Dec 4, Open Mic Night, 7 pm

2025

• Jan 15, Writers Lounge, 7 pm

• Feb 5, Local Author Fair, 7 pm
• Feb 19, Biblio Breakdown, 7 pm – Ekta Garg

• Mar 5, Open Mic Night, 7 pm
• Mar 19, Combatting Writer's Block, 7 pm – Julie Navickas

• Apr 2, Poetry Roundtable, Part Ⅰ, 7 pm – Corey Van Landingham
• Apr 16, Poetry Roundtable, Part Ⅱ, 7 pm – Jim O’Brien

• May 7, Preparing Your Manuscript for Publication, 7 pm
• May 21, Query an Agent: Crafting a Letter that Sells Your Work, 7 pm – Julie Navickas 

Writer’s Workshops on YouTube

You can also watch recordings of 50+ workshops on the library’s YouTube channel. Instructors include local authors Jim O’Brien, Ekta Garg, John Milas, and Molly MacRae, plus former New York Times Op-Ed page editor Trish Hall. Go to YouTube »

2024 Winners

Our 2024 Short Story Contest included entries from community members who participated in the Writer’s Workshops series. The top three stories will be read publicly and awards will be announced at the Awards Ceremony & Reading (11/20, 7 pm). The judges are Heidi Esther, Megan Montgomery, and Ted Sanders.

Congratulations to the finalists!

• Andrea Alghalith – “Miracle Weavers”
• Deborah Keene – “Carrie’s Tuesday”
• Claudia Vizcarra – “What the Swamp Takes”

2023 Winners

Our 2023 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 2023. The judges were Maisie Sparks and Kallan Buss. Congratulations to the winners!

• 1st Place – Josh Loomis, “The Dance of a Lifetime” | Read story »
• 2nd Place – Yael  Zeiri, “Jane” | Read story »
• 3rd Place – Simon Johnson, “Faces” | Read story »

Winners of the 2023 Short Story Contest (from left): Simon Johnson, third place; Yael Zeiri, second place; and Josh Loomis, first place.

2022 Winners

• 1st Place – Jessica Launius, “Stumble” | Read story »
• 2nd Place – Bethan Owen, “Thank You for Giving One Hundred and Ten Percent” | Read story »
• 3rd Place – Drew Adamek, “Vacation Home” | Read story »

Winners of the 2022 Short Story Contest (from left): Drew Adamek, third place; Bethan Owen, second place; and Jessica Launius, first place.

2021 Winners

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

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

2020 Winners

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

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

2019 Winners

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