Past Competition Results
2024
- Budge Wilson Short Fiction Prize: J.P. Smith, “The Hooper”
| Shortlist: Matthew Anderson, Victor Maddalena- Judge’s citation: “In ‘The Hooper,’ we follow nine-year-old Owen on the first day of his job as a hooper in 1938 Newfoundland. Though barely finished grade four, Owen’s family needs the money for food and medicine. Turning wood into barrels is demanding, dangerous work where inattention can cause vicious cuts or the loss of an eye. We feel the twin weights of fear and responsibility as a child is thrust into an adult world. Told with clarity and an ever-building tension, ‘The Hooper’ is a portrait of a dying industry and a reminder that the very notion of childhood is a relatively recent one. “
- H.R. (Bill) Percy Short Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Kyle Hooper, “Shining Abbie’s Shoes”
| Shortlist: Kathy France, Anya Zub- Judge’s citation: “‘Shining Abbie’s Shoes’ is a taut and searing study of the ways in which the events of our lives are reflected in our most-used items. In this case: our shoes. It is a philosophical reflection on the journeys we take, the storms we weather, the scars that those storms leave on our psyches, and our ultimate inability to hide the fallout that occurs when a disconnection exists between our public faces and our inner worlds. In ‘Shining Abbie’s Shoes,’ fear, joy, and excitement intermingle with the ever-present threat of death. The story demonstrates the ways in which the struggles of our inner selves make themselves known despite the myriad ways in which we deny their existence. ‘Shining Abbie’s Shoes’ is not only a well-written personal memoir: it also serves as a powerful tribute to those who serve this country. That Hooper conveyed so much in a mere few pages is an achievement. I only wish it were longer.”
- Rita Joe Poetry Prize: Blue Bailey, “Lethe”
| Shortlist: Susan Drain, Logan Lawrence- Judges’ citation: “Lyrical and elegant in its haunting mnemonics, ‘Lethe’ by Blue Bailey elaborates a resonant poetics of pained memories and difficult emotions. These lines—by turns fragmented, clipped, prosaic, and capacious—are always rich and sensitive and tautly controlled. These are poems that take risks, at the level of form and content, rewarding the reader for their journey. The poems in this collection are focused on family, and on the complicated and turbulent emotions that accumulate over years. Throughout the collection we hear the speaker’s revisions and reassessments of these memories and the relationships themselves. The speaker in the poems interrogates memory and forgetting, trying to resolve or find some way through the painful accumulation of familial injuries. The poet also trusts their readers to piece together the fractured events behind the poems, producing a collection that leaves us eager to read more. As judges, we were drawn to this collection for the way it brings together formal exploration and a variety of poetic techniques, alongside a deep investment in the archaeology of feelings. This combination of elements made for a compelling collection, and we are eager to see where this poet’s writing journey takes them next.”
2023
- Budge Wilson Short Fiction Prize: Andrea Reynolds, “Rhythms of Here and Gone”
| Shortlist: Bradley Ferguson, Jessica Drohan-Burke, Tara G. Harris, Victor Maddalena- Citation from judge: “‘Rhythms of Here and Gone’ captivates from the beginning with its exquisitely crafted portrait of a shoplifter in action. Mesmerized, readers then journey with the protagonist as she confronts the challenges of her life and stakes claim on herself. All praises for an offering that is arch and artful and that gives a whole new meaning to the colour beige.”
- H.R. (Bill) Percy Short Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Elizabeth Collis, “Ties that Bind”
| Shortlist: Mary Dodd, Heather Jenkins, James MacDuff, Scott Neilson- Citation from judge Bretton Loney: “In ‘Ties That Bind,’ author Elizabeth Collis vividly and compassionately tells a story all too familiar to many adult children: the frustration and dejection of gamely facing the challenge of caring for aging parents. Collis’s use of language shines. Her mother’s arms ‘stiffen with suspicion like rabbits’ ears on alert’ and she is ‘explosively explicit’ with unwanted part-time helpers. The full-time caregiver ‘coos about my father, cradling her mug and inclining her head to one side like the wood doves in the garden.’ The narrator’s description of her own situation is perfect: ‘I slump back in the antique armchair. Ropes and ties bind my limbs. I’m captive. The energy of my intention to ‘get things done’ strains useless against the force of reality, of compromise, of doing-the-best-you-can. I’m straight-jacketed.’ Most powerful is her unvoiced admonition of the caregiver for not being able to see her parents as they once were: ‘How could you – why would you – think this was how they were? These bent, twisted caricatures of former powerhouses, with a few features exaggerated, made grotesque or prettified – that’s not them. That’s people in dress-up … pretenders, acting out the script of old age.’ ‘Ties That Bind’ is a brave telling of a story in which we will all eventually be characters, hopefully with as much grace and love as we can muster.”
- Joyce Barkhouse Young Adult Fiction Prize: Jennifer Overton, “Parish Island”
| Shortlist: Kyle Cormier, William Pitcher- Citation from judge Carol Moreira: “‘Parish Island’ gets off to a fun start, with Jennifer putting a new and intriguing twist on the classic story of the youngster, alone in the world, sent away to an isolated and intimidating boarding school. The protagonist, a youngster called ‘Skunk’ because her hair bears the mark of a ghostly touch, is a compelling character. Jennifer has created many fun and interesting plot threads, and the story moves along well, carried by writing that is crisp and colourful. I am sure kids will want to keep reading to find out what happens to Skunk and the ghosts that beset her.”
- Rita Joe Poetry Prize: Nicholas Selig, “In the Twilight House”
| Shortlist: Teigen Bond- Citation from judge Andy Verboom: “‘In the Twilight House’ takes a welcome and politically necessary approach to traumatic subject matter, speaking as much in the third, second, and collective first person as in the poetic ‘I.’ Consequently, it can observe—and show us—how domestic abuse, misogyny, police violence, a loved one in a hospital bed, and SwissAir flight 111 rescue efforts all exist within a network of relational, public memory. A feat within such a short suite. The implied hope is that, memory being social, there is no private memory and, thus, no solitary grief. These poems model relationality on the line, allowing rhythmically keen yet conversational clippings to sit in tense juxtaposition with one another—and explode/implode into metaphor without warning.”
2022
- Budge Wilson Short Fiction Prize: Briony Merritt, “Blackfriars Bridge”
| Shortlist: Amy Donovan, Lindsey Harrington, Scott L. Neilson, Andrea Reynolds- Citation from judge Ian Colford: “‘Blackfriars Bridge’ carries the reader along on a gripping wave of dramatic urgency. The story—concise, action-packed—is set in London during an unspecified past era, probably during the reign of Queen Victoria. The author works with a light touch, skillfully and unobtrusively weaving period details into this brief tale, which involves a teenage girl being sent to fetch a doctor to attend to a pregnant woman in distress. The girl, a lover of poetry, remains unnamed throughout. She is smart, observant and determined. We experience events through her eyes. We feel the throb of her anxiety and share her deep concern for the stricken woman. The narrative voice is absolutely convincing, the writing evocative and memorable and filled with descriptive nuggets, such as ‘gossip burning on their lips’ and ‘the horse snorted dragon’s breath.’ ‘Blackfriars Bridge’ is a polished and sophisticated piece of writing.”
- H.R. (Bill) Percy Short Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Monika Dutt, “Foundations”
| Shortlist: Elizabeth Collis, Lois Ann Dort, Jessica Marsh, Tiffany Mosher- Citation from judge Joanne Gallant: “‘Foundations’ is about the beauty and heaviness of single motherhood. Compelling and filled with grit, Dutt had me at times in tears, and then whooping with delight as she proved to herself—and to all mothers—that we are much stronger than we think. She captured the experience of life as a single mother caring for her son, relying on her determination to keep them both safe, as she tries to make the long drive home. Her car becomes a metaphor for the obstacles of raising a child, and Dutt provides the reader with snapshots of both the joy and the arduous experience of childrearing as a single parent. I was in the hands of a masterful storyteller while reading ‘Foundations.’ Dutt delivers right up until the very end. An exceptionally well-written piece that was heartfelt and satisfying to read.”
- Joyce Barkhouse Young Adult Fiction Prize: Libby Broadbent, Seventh Son
| Shortlist: Claire MacDonell, Andrea Reynolds- Citation from judge Melanie Mosher: “In this short excerpt, Broadbent has managed to create a believable world with intriguing characters, Runa and Button, twins separated at birth yet connected by magic and spells. Artful writing draws the reader into this world: Broadbent’s word choice and phrasing are spot on for the genre, and the work is captivating, full of wonderful descriptions that conjure vivid images. Good vs evil, greed, power, and love are all at play. A mother’s sacrifice, long lost spells, secret identities, and lurking mysteries entice. […] Already, in this short section, the reader is rooting for Runa and Button. Wanting Runa to overcome her mean Aunt Elinor. Wanting Button to stand up to his father and leave his basement room. Wanting the twins to be reunited and for good to reign. Well done!”
- Rita Joe Poetry Prize: Jan Fancy Hull, “Moss Meditations”
| Shortlist: Cynthia Germain Bazinet, Sophia Godsoe, Teresa Killbride, Louise Piper- Citation from judge Margo Wheaton: “‘Moss Meditations’ is a clear, beautifully-crafted seven-part poem and earthy hymn to moss, that ‘daughter of seaweed.’ Part praise poem and part confession, each section in this stirring meditation depicts an acutely personal interaction with the physical world. Asserting that ‘we must kneel to see it,’ the poem’s speaker adopts a stance of reverence in order to study ‘the moss-lined cradle of the forest floor’ and the stream ‘singing its ancient song.’ Clear-eyed and open-hearted, the politics of this poem are insistent, reminding us that we are stewards of a world we ourselves destroy. Elegant and hushed, this poem offers an alternative way to be with the living world and calls us to remember that we walk daily through ‘a kingdom of wonder.'”
2021
- Budge Wilson Short Fiction Prize: Bob Mann, “Shepherd’s Pie Friday”
| Shortlist: Barbara Darby, Verna Feehan, Joyce McGeehan, Marie Thompson | Judge: Jacqueline Dumas - H.R. (Bill) Percy Short Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Kate Burnham, “Poster Child”
| Shortlist: Catherine Banks, Emma Dubois, Halina St. James | Judge: Jeff Miller - Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Heidi Tattrie Rushton, “Pet Tales”
| Shortlist: Jodi Reid | Judge: Daphne Greer - Rita Joe Poetry Prize: Lindsey Harrington, “Dispatches from Red Bridge”
| Shortlist: Emily Dodge, Margaret Schwartz | Judge: Margo Wheaton
2020
- Budge Wilson Short Fiction Prize: Brad Donaldson, “Sinking” | Shortlist: Nataliya Bukhanova, Robert de la Chevotiere, Francene Gillis, Jenny MacDougall, Sydney Robichaud, James Whidden
- Citation from judge Elaine McCluskey: “The author has written, within the confines of a short story, a poignant account of love, tragedy, and human frailty. The details ring true and the writing is both controlled and touching. While the setting, a Nova Scotia fishing community is specific, the story speaks to universal themes such as loss and the power of place upon people.”
- H.R. (Bill) Percy Short Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Beth Ann Knowles, “The Hwagae Bath House” | Shortlist: Mary Dodd, Nanci Lee, Leonard Brent MacDonald, Dvora Trachtenberg
- Citation from judge Evelyn White: “A warm, well-paced, and beautifully crafted reflection on cultural risk and reward. The piece takes readers on a memorable journey with a perfect ending.”
- Joyce Barkhouse Young Adult Fiction Prize: Emily Dodge, “Daughters of Morrigan” | Shortlist: JC Farquahar, Jaime Horbul
- Citation from judge Jenni Blackmore: “‘Daughters of Morrigan’ is well paced, with truly believable characters who instantly draw the reader into their world, which is fraught with sibling rivalry. Subtle yet intriguing hints speak of darker happenings about to transpire and I suspect that this will be a read that’s hard to put down. Masterfully written, with what promises to be a tantalizing plat. Love it!”
- Rita Joe Poetry Prize: Cathy Jacob, “Evening Prayer” | Shortlist: donalee Moulton, Margaret Schwartz, Pat Thomas
- Citation from judge Genevieve Lehr: “[These] poems are sincere, well-crafted, and reflect a depth of engagement with language. I was particularly moved by the poem ‘How wonderful,’ with its intimate and moving portrait of the loss of a loved one. The images are stunning, and I felt the poem speaking to me on a personal level, drawing me in with its quiet, dignified poignancy. Nothing gimmicky here. The image of the person ‘leaning skeletal on a stiff walker/in stained pants and the drooping white flag/of an untucked shirt’ is simply gorgeous.”
2019
- Budge Wilson Short Fiction Prize: Susan Drain, “In the Dugout” | Shortlist: KR Byggdin, Brad Donaldson, Brendan Dunbar, Breton Hannam, Nigel Herritt, Sarah Pittoello
- Citation from judge Sirje Ruus: “This masterfully crafted story depicts the resilience of a small group of Canadian soldiers on a First World War battleground where all that is left to combat the horror are humble acts of human kindness and large doses of irony. Very little actually happens in the dugout, yet so much is revealed.”
- H.R. (Bill) Percy Short Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Ariel Watson, “Beasts of Myth” | Honourable mention: Julie Strong’s “I had to steal them” | Shortlist: Barbara Cullen, Mary Dodd, Joanne Light, Cynthia Manley, Joe Muething
- Citation from judge Marjorie Simmins: “The author has written a resonant and complex story, with themes of multi-generational family ties and interactions, looming death, the reshapings of personal histories, the romantic pulls of times gone by, and the essence and changing composition of memory, as connected to a time, and its people.”
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Karen Kelloway, Keeper of the Pact | Shortlist: Jill Martin, Anne Odell
- Citation from judge Janet Barkhouse: “A trio of human children discover danger—and more—on a fishing boat moored in Brigus Harbour. Suspenseful, believable, original, this excerpt grips and delights.”
- Rita Joe Poetry Prize: Rosalie Osmond, Variations in Time | Shortlist: Rachel Edmonds, Mary Verna Feehan, Cheri Wilson
- Citation from judge Dr. Afua Cooper: “[Rosalie Osmond] uses her spiritual, emotional, and physical sense to convey a poetry that is textured, focused, and startling. Her banner is honesty and courage, and so the poems are a ‘take no prisoner’ dialogue between the heart and self. The result is that the heart is flung wide open. Her poems are rich in sensory words, with a tight inner rhythm that can only be produced by one in charge of her craft.”
2018
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Mary Verna Feehan, “Two Crow Joy” | Shortlist: Cate Carlyle, Susan LeBlanc
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Susan Walsh, Where the Lampreys Meet | Shortlist: Dorothy Redfurn, Nancy Waldman
- Long Form Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Muriel Zimmer, I Need You to be Strong | Shortlist: Laura Churchill Duke, Mark Haynes, Greg Murphy
- Poetry Prize: J Lorraine Campbell, All Consuming | Shortlist: John Saklofske, Courtney Siebring
- Short Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Margaret MacQuarrie, “How Was the Party?” | Shortlist: Barbara Cullen, Jennifer Faulkner, Julie Strong
2017
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Amanda Peters, “Crows” | Honourable mention: Adam Fiske’s “City of Goodbyes” | Shortlist: Francene Gillis, Cheri Wilson
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Brenda MacLennan-Dunphy, Never Speak of this Again | Shortlist: Carol Moreira, Angela Ripley
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Laureen Van Lierop, Beach Meadow Friends | Shortlist: John Graham-Poole, John Ure
- Poetry Prize: Jana Traff, In the White of Grief | Shortlist: Joyce Caines, Ryan Eavis, Bethany Lake, Cheri Wilson
- Short Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Melissa Friedman, “Gastown to Grey” | Shortlist: Thomas Harris, Jen Schwetje
The predecessor to the Nova Writes Competition was the Atlantic Writing Competition (AWC), established in 1975 by the Nova Scotia Branch of the Canadian Authors’ Association and administered by the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia from 1976 to 2016.
In 2016, the 39th and final year of the AWC, over 70 submissions were received (from emerging writers throughout Atlantic Canada) in six categories: creative non-fiction, novel, poetry, short story, writing for children, and young adult novel. Two other categories accepted over the last dozen years of the AWC were magazine article/essay (awarded up to 2007) and unproduced play (awarded from 2011 – 2013).
2016
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Sue Murtagh, “Resort Life” | Shortlist: Ethel Belliveau, Amanda Peters, Claire Shiplett, Susie Taylor
- Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Linda McLean, Dreaming Margaret Atwood | Shortlist: Benjamin Dugdale, Dvora Trachtenberg
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Anne Bishop, Blessed are the Poor | Shortlist: Andrea Doukas, Liz Graham
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Mary Pike, The Secret Spirits of Edgar Snow | Shortlist: Deb MacNeil, Shawna Morrissey
- Poetry Prize: Abena Amoako-Tuffour, The Art of Living | Shortlist: Emily Crompton, Carol Moreira, Shane Mountain, Lucas Wentzell
- Young Adult Novel Prize: Jenni Blackmore, Island of Dead Souls
2015
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Dominic Wilcott, “Child of Somalia” | Honourable mention: Jan Moffett’s “Anxiety and Austin” | Shortlist: Ethel Belliveau, Luke MacNeill, Colin van Vulpen
- Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Jeremy Smith, In The Kitchen | Honourable mention: Jo Shawyer’s Points of View | Shortlist: Zoe D’Amato, Esther Kennedy
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Maureen St. Clair, Judith and Sola | Honourable mention: Bridget Canning’s Impulse | Shortlist: Lorraine Buck, Warren Redman, Tim Reeves-Horton
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Sara Jewell, Moon Tide | Shortlist: Heather Jenkins, Judy MacLean
- Poetry Prize: Wade Ells, Tricks in the Tide | Shortlist: Sheila Graham-Smith, Emily Leeson, Tela Purcell, Cheri Wilson
- Young Adult Novel Prize: Nicole Fraser, Through the Door | Shortlist: Mary Dodd, Charlotte Mendel
2014
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Brittany Kraus, “Murmurs” | Shortlist: Dave Johnson, Mark Palermo, Marlene Stanton
- Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Glenna Jenkins, Digging for Bones | Shortlist: Anna Taylor, Aaron Williams, Anya Zub
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Mary Pike, Foreign Soul | Shortlist: Ryan Blades, Dorothy Redfurn
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Jim Sutherland, The House the Captain Built | Shortlist: Betty Campbell, Eric Hansen, Clare O’Connor
- Poetry Prize: Mary Ellen Sullivan, Visits | Shortlist: Isabel Blackmore, Whitney Moran, Shelley Thompson, Shannon Webb-Campbell
- Young Adult Novel Prize: Nayani Jensen, Minstrel’s Song | Shortlist: Noah Hollis, Marilyn Lohnes, Melissa McAdam
2013
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Steven Naylor, “Joey Moulton” | Naylor also received “an editor’s eye and insights” provided by The Fiddlehead
- Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Gillian Osmond, Mine Said Wednesday | Osmond also received “an editor’s eye and insights” provided by The Fiddlehead
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Marina Harris, Enough
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Georgia S. Atkin, Secrets: A Strange Tale | Atkin also received a Blue Pencil Mentorship provided by CANSCAIP
- Poetry Prize: Ryan Marshall, I Wait in the Next Room | Marshall also received “an editor’s eye and insights” provided by The Fiddlehead
- Unproduced Play Prize: Griffin McInnes, Science Inaction: a love story
- Young Adult Novel Prize: Lori McKay, The General Store | McKay also received a Blue Pencil Mentorship provided by the CANSCAIP
2012
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Ruth Morris Schneider, “Concha’s Smile” | 2nd: Heidi Harding | 3rd: Sara Malton
- Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Crystal Vaughan, Pieces | 2nd: Deirdre Dwyer | 3rd: Margaret Ommanney
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Sasha Dence, Falling Ice | 2nd: Sheila Graham-Smith | 3rd: Sarah Gignac
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Patsy Clothier, Callista, the Amazing Honey Bee, Tells All | 2nd: Jo-Anne Hemming | 3rd: Jo Shawyer
- Poetry Prize: Roger Field, Orientations, Syria | 2nd: Maryann Martin | 3rd: Sheila Graham-Smith
- Unproduced Play Prize: Rhys Bevan-John’s Pump Trolly | 2nd: Janet Godsell | 3rd: Nick Jupp | This prize was co-presented by Theatre Nova Scotia (TheatreNS) and Playwrights Atlantic Resource Center (PARC) at the Robert Merritt Awards, and the winner also received a free membership to TheatreNS and professional dramaturgy services from PARC
- Young Adult/Juvenile Novel Prize: Richard Levangie, Secrets of the Hotel Maisoneuve | 2nd: Katrina Nicholson | 3rd: Judy Dudar
2011
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Gillian M. Osmond’s “I Heard a Small Boy Singing: A Memoir”
- Creative Non-Fiction Prize: Brian Braganza’s The Cross Road
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Charlotte Mendel’s Turn Us Again
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Lisa-Marie Brunnen’s Hiding in the Fireplace
- Poetry Prize: Janet Kennedy’s November Poems
- Unproduced Play Prize: David Christoffel’s Hard Rock | This prize was co-presented by Theatre Nova Scotia (TheatreNS) and Playwrights Atlantic Resource Center (PARC) at the Robert Merritt Awards, and the winner also received a free membership to TheatreNS and professional dramaturgy services from PARC
- Young Adult/Juvenile Novel Prize: Kat Kruger’s The Night Has Teeth
2010
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Julie Strong’s “Alice’s Bonfire”
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Wanda Campbell’s Hat Girl
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Stephanie Reidy’s Callum’s Bed
- Poetry Prize: Rita Wilson’s Lost and Found
- Young Adult/Juvenile Novel Prize: Susan White’s The Year Mrs. Montague Cried
2009
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Paul Healey’s “Vanishing”
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Scott Fotheringham’s The Rest is Silence
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Joanna Butler’s Calvin’s Moose Hunt
- Poetry Prize: James MacSwain’s Ancestors
- Young Adult/Juvenile Novel Prize: Dorothy Redfurn’s In Interesting Times
2008
- Budge Wilson Short Story Prize: Victoria Lynn Hirtle’s “The Leather Other”
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Chris Benjamin’s Living in the Dirt
- Poetry Prize: Veryan Haysom’s Subterranean Paths
- Young Adult/Juvenile Novel Prize & Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Brenda Tate’s Nightingales Don’t Cry
2007
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Scott Bartlett’s Royal Flush
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Carolee Nichols’s Bud, The Homeless Cat
- Magazine Article/Essay Prize: Veronica Butler’s “My Lemon Tree”
- Poetry Prize: Nanci Lee’s Lessons
- Short Story Prize: Kathy Chisholm’s “Seen But Not Heard”
- Young Adult/Juvenile Novel Prize: Philip Roy’s Alfred, The Submarine Outlaw
2006
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Syr Ruus’s Lovesongs of Emmanuel Taggart
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Cyncy D’Entremont’s Granny’s Houseplant
- Magazine Article/Essay Prize: Daniel Schulman’s “An Ode to the Flying Squirrel”
- Poetry Prize: Jenny MacDougall’s Lesser Light
- Short Story Prize: Roanne Rondina’s “Luzviminda”
- Young Adult/Juvenile Novel Prize: Jo Ann Yhard’s Chasing the Raven
2005
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Laura Crawford’s Alphabetology: Bold Character Put Up Strange Fonts
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Dave Cameron’s The Bottle Collector
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Jamie Leck’s Guinness the Gobber and the Pickle Farm Fiasco
- Magazine Article/Essay Prize: Penny Carver’s “Move Hands Like Clouds”
- Short Story Prize: Vivien Shotwell’s “Methods of Rest”
2004
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Walter Lee’s Is Hard When Fired
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Terry Pratt’s Academic Questions
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Sue Coueslan’s Under Emmett’s Bed
- Magazine Article/Essay Prize: Munju Ravindra’s “Going Solo”
- Short Story Prize: Erna Buffie’s “Pearl”
2003
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Jennifer Clouter’s After Viewing
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Steve Zipp’s Yellowknife
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Joyce Grant Smith’s The Latch
- Magazine Article/Essay Prize: Susan Cameron’s “Joyce and Me”
- Short Story Prize: Sheilagh Guy Murphy’s “Lost”
2002
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Christina McRae
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Heidi von Palleske
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Rita Glen
- Magazine Article/Essay Prize: Judith Green Ferron
- Short Story Prize: David Speare
2001
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Jane Elizabeth Ledwell
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Ian Colford’s Sophie’s Blood
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Anne Kelly
- Magazine Article/Essay Prize: Shandi Mitchell
2000
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Matilka Krow
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Trudy J. Morgan-Cole
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Joanne Taylor
- Magazine Article/Essay Prize: Lara Hazelton
- Short Story Prize: Chad Lucas
1999
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Kelly Cooper
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Elizabeth Venart
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Amy Bennet
- Short Story Prize: Amy Bennet
1998
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Laurie Brinklow’s Child of the Mountains
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Allan Donaldson’s A Grain of Sand
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Tyne Brown’s Granny Takes a Trip
- Short Story Prize: Rob Mills’s “Ellen”
- Youth Writing (Poetry) Prize: Terra Spencer’s Poems
1997
- Frog Hollow Books Poetry Prize: Deanne Yonge
- HR (Bill) Percy Novel Prize: Mark Blagave
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Gary Castle
- Non-fiction Prize: Donna Ross
- Radio Play Prize: Gary Langguth
- Short Story Prize: Liz Moore
- Youth Writing (Short Story) Prize: Kari Groundwater
1996
- Drama Prize: Ron Wheatley
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Liz Moore
- Novel Prize: Cameron Jess
- Poetry Prize: Alanna Bondar
- Short Story Prize: I.D. Dockrill
1995
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Kristin Domm
- Non-fiction Prize: Mark Haynes
- Novel Prize: Arthur Motyer
- Poetry Prize: Maureen Hull
- Short Story Prize: Josh MacDonald
1994
- Drama Prize: Christy Ann Conlin
- Joyce Barkhouse Writing for Children Prize: Syr Ruus Baker
- Non-fiction Prize: Julie M. Ross
- Novel Prize: Paddy Muir
- Personal Essay Prize: Jean B. Mackenzie
- Poetry Prize: Hugh MacDonald
- Short Story Prize: Gail Gray
Earlier results
Results from earlier prize years are available in our printed archive. To inquire about these records, please contact communications@writers.ns.ca.
