Single Poem
2024 Judge: Jeanette LynesJeanette Lynes is the author of seven books of poetry and three novels. Her third novel, The Apothecary’s Garden (HarperCollins Canada, 2022) was a finalist for a High Plains Book Award and two Saskatchewan Book Awards. Jeanette’s fourth novel is forthcoming from HarperCollins Canada in 2025. Jeanette’s personal essays, Apron Apocalypse, won the John V. Hicks manuscript competition in 2023. Jeanette’s most recent poetry book, Bedlam Cowslip: The John Clare Poems (Wolsak and Wynn/Buckrider Books) won the 2016 Saskatchewan Arts Board Poetry Award. Jeanette directs the MFA in Writing at the University of Saskatchewan. 2022 - 2023 Judge: Dr. Sean WiebeWinnersFirst Place: Melanie Craig-Hansford (Hampton, NB), My other ride is your Mother Second Place: Heather Gunn (Shediac, NB), Cosmopolitan Magazine says I should be Tangled in the Sheets Third Place: Melanie Craig-Hansford (Hampton, NB), The Night I Lost Her 2021 - 2022 Judge: Leigh FaulknerWinnersFirst Place: Edyn Clowater, The Story Never Told Second Place: Shaun Cunningham, Grid Road, Saskatchewan Third Place: Shari Andrews, Her Open Mouth Honourable Mention: Shari Andrews, Snow on Evergreen Honourable Mention: Frederick Mundle, One Sighting | As a past prize recipient in the categories for the Dawn Watson Memorial Prize (2022) and the Alfred G. Bailey Prize , I encourage all members to enter the annual WFNB Literary Contest. Even though I have had the support of mentors and a writing group through the years, the act of putting words on paper is a solitary one. In the end the discipline required has to come from within. To have my work judged by knowledgeable and accomplished peers has given me much encouragement and validation to continue. As well, it is always a pleasure to receive the judge's helpful critique. Wishing you luck and success in this year's competition! Shari Andrews |