By Jessie Carson and Jenn Snider Cruise
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Lanark Lit Writers Competition. But first, what is this competition about? Produced by Almonte Readers & Writers, the 2nd annual Lanark Lit Writing Competition launched in April of this year, with a focus on non-fiction for 2025. The goals of the competition are to connect with local writers of all ages to offer an opportunity to share their work in print and in person, as well as win a monetary prize. With the call for submissions for this year focused on works of short creative non-fiction, we’re thrilled to report that the local writing community delivered an impressive tour de force of powerful, imaginative, and compelling stories that transported us and captured our hearts!
After a two month-long process of deliberation by a total of 9 judges, and a total of 57 submissions across two categories, we are excited to announce the winners of the competition! Note that we will be celebrating the winners, and indeed all the writers who submitted stories, on December 6th from 2pm – 4pm with an Awards Gala, which will be held at the Almonte Public Library (155 High Street, Almonte). Please join us, enjoy some refreshments, and hear the winning writers and the runner-ups read from their stories.
So without further adieu, we are thrilled to announce the Winners of the 2025 Lanark Lit Writers Competition, as well as our well deserving Runners up and Honourable mentions, and with a nod to the short-listed 18+ category finalists, all as selected by an independent jury of local literary experts:
*drumroll please*
Ages 17 and under category
WINNER — Code Duello, by Mattea Crabtree (Perth)
Mattea Crabtree is an aspiring writer who, at age 13, has already written several unpublished books and short stories that showcase her imagination and love of adventure. Mattea was a winner in the 2024 Lanark Lit competition for her short story, The Apartment, and was recognized for her “whimsical and fresh voice with excellent character work.” She continues to develop her craft through ongoing learning, writing daily, and attending workshops.
FIRST RUNNER-UP (2nd place) — In and out of the Water, by Arya Burkart (Carleton Place)
Arya Burkart is an 11-year old aspiring author living in Carleton Place, who has a deep passion for creative writing and meaningful storytelling. She often finds inspiration in the beauty of nature and everyday moments. In quieter moments, she loves to read and dabble in carpentry, illustration and other little crafts.
SECOND RUNNER-UP (3rd place) — Fresh Milk, by Neve Kuchinad (Perth)
Neve Kuchinad is 9-years old and lives in Perth. She enjoys playing sports like soccer, hockey and tennis. She also likes to bake with her grandma, go camping and travel with her family, and she absolutely loves cats!.
HONOURABLE MENTION — Red Horse Lake Monsters, by Benji Hawkey and Noah Cordick (Perth)
Adults 18+ category
WINNER — Hold On, by Kimberly Lemaire (Carp)
Kimberly Lemaire is originally from Pembroke but has called both Halifax and Kingston home. She spent the last three years living in a swamp not far from Carp… because every ogre needs one. Kimberly is currently completing a Master in Fine Arts in Fiction from King’s College University, which keeps her neck deep in revisions most days. Hold On is her first foray into non-fiction.
FIRST RUNNER-UP (2nd place) — Brush with the Moon, by Michael Gibson (Perth)
Michael Gibson is a writer living in Perth, Ontario with his wife and co-pilot, Teddy. He is the author of several produced screenplays and award-winning interactive digital media. He is currently working on his first novel.
SECOND RUNNER-UP (3rd place) — Grief and Relief – Holding Close to Let Go, by Jane Olivier (Pakenham)
Jane Olivier has lived in Pakenham for several years and is active in the Arnprior and Lanark communities where she volunteers as an English tutor and contributes to museum projects that document local stories. A lifelong wanderer and wonderer, as a writer and editor, she draws on a life spent in many countries, and her nonfiction often examines memory, responsibility, and the ordinary moments that shape us.
HONOURABLE MENTION — CLARENCE, by Marcia Taylor (Ashton)
SHORT-LIST (Finalists) — (in alphabetical order by author)
walking & awakening – from woe to wonder, by Chris Cavan (Almonte)
Happy Go Lucky, by Ron W Coristine (Perth)
She’ll be coming round the mountain…, by Sally Smith (Smiths Falls)
About the Lanark Lit Writing Competition
With a total of 45 submissions from adults, and 12 submission from youth under 17, stories were sent from all over Lanark County (and a bit beyond), including Almonte, Arnprior, Ashton, Balderson, Beckwith, Carleton Place, Carp, Lanark, Lombardy, Merrickville, North Gower, Pakenham, Perth, Rideau Ferry, Smiths Falls, and Westport.
This region is absolutely chock full of writerly talent, and the competition judges definitely had their hands full. The creative non-fiction entries to this year’s competition took the judges into the minds, hearts and lives of the local writers who submitted their work. Written with exploratory, vivid, and evocative language to transport the reader to a different point in time and place, the vast range of human experience was well reflected, with stories on childhood, travel, loss, and other profound or more subtle impressions.
Our esteemed panel of jurors each participated in a round of blind consideration of the submissions. All author names were removed prior to circulation, and discussions maintained anonymity of the writers and where they were from until the decisions were finalized. Each juror thoughtfully considered every story they read and took their role seriously. As members of the literary community, they knew the courage taken by every writer to submit and appreciated elements of every submission. On behalf of our community and all participants we wish to thank our jury for their time, dedication, and thoughtfulness:
Jury members:
17 and under category — Amanda West Lewis, Robert Childs
Adults 18+ category — 1st round Jane Ellens, Jill Walters, Krista Foss, Parrish Wilson; 2nd round Aaron Hutchins, Peter Dixon, Kris Riendeau.
A huge thank you to all those who submitted a story. Without you, there would be no competition, and we know it takes creativity and focus to write and finish a story, not to mention bravery! We encourage all writers to continue sharing their work. This is how you can connect to your peers and develop your skills. We look forward to seeing you on December 6th!
Almonte Readers & Writers wishes to thank the Lanark Lit project funders, the Elizabeth Kelly Foundation, and the Municipality of Mississippi Mills.
