Writing Spaces

In December of 2024, my short story “The Menagerie” made the long list for the regional Lanark Lit Writing Competition, in the Adults 30+ category. While it didn’t place in the top three, I’m very proud of this story for going as far as it did: one step before the final round.

The jury, made up of several writers whose work I admire, offered these words about the story:

The Lanark Lit Writing Competition is hosted by the non-profit group Almonte Readers & Writers, which, along with the Almonte Writers Guild, is a vibrant presence and promoter of reading and writing in our community. Often backed up by the Mississippi Mills Public Library, Mill Street Books, the Elizabeth Kelly Foundation, and the town of Mississippi Mills, along with local coffee shops Equator and Ottawa Valley Coffee, these groups offer amazing opportunities for readers and writers to learn our craft, to be heard in public, and to enjoy the amazing creativity of our region.

Also, a shout-out to my writing group: Emily, Jay, Jessie, John, and Tracy, skilled writers and savvy readers whose editing suggestions helped me make “The Menagerie” into a better little go-getter. Along with Twitter’s #5amWritersClub, these folks are the hub of my writing life.

You can read “The Menagerie” here.

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