We are excited to announce the winners of our Character Study contest!

This contest asked writers to explore one of the most essential tenets of storytelling: character. In 3,500 words or less (and with no other restrictions), authors were tasked with writing the most compelling character possible. After reading through and discussing all submissions, four works stood out to our editors as the best.

First Place: “Emergency Relief” by Ballywho

Second Place: “A Brookwood Dirge” by Robert Pierce

Third Place: “Jump” by Richard Charles Schaefer

Honorable Mention: “Shed” by Lucas Jeffrey

The first place story will be a centerpiece in the upcoming fall 2019 issue, to be published at the end of the year. The rest of these lovely stories will be published in our online anthology on December 20th. Keep an eye out!

Finally, we would like to thank every author who submitted to us – it means a lot, and we hope that you will consider doing so again in the future.