We’ve been very busy over the past few weeks reading through the HUNDREDS of applications entered in the First Annual Peter K. Hixson Memorial Scholarship. Each submission was carefully reviewed and every single one offered elements worthy of appreciation. Some writing samples and personal statements succeeded in making us smile, some gave us pause and offered fascinating insight, and others moved us to tears.
It was VERY difficult to choose winners. Overall, we received nearly 700 applications from all over the world. For that reason, we decided to choose TWO ADDITIONAL “Wild card” winners.
We are so pleased to be able to work with and help the winners as they progress in their writing careers. We know Peter would be thrilled with the promising skill and craft these writers display, and he would be proud of his role in helping them achieve their dreams.
EVERYONE who entered this contest will be receiving a free gift from Writer’s Relief—so please keep an eye on your inbox if you participated!
And in the words of Peter’s wife Lois, “Peter often counted on the encouragement and support of the Writer’s Relief staff when he hit periods of discouragement that his writing would ever be of interest to anyone. Had a scholarship like this been available to him, I believe he would have jumped at the opportunity, and once involved, would have found a way to stay connected because he so valued the help and encouragement he received.”
As a reminder: Winners will receive two rounds of our A La Carte PLUS Service (which includes targeting the 25+ best agents or editors, creating cover/query letters, individually addressing and printing letters, and providing support from Writer’s Relief staff).
And The Winners Are…
Poetry Winner: Kim Waggoner (with honorable mentions for Heather Bartlett, Keith Gaboury, Marissa Mollot, and Adrienne Sneed)
Short Prose Winner: Elishia Heiden (with honorable mentions for Byron Campbell, Pittershawn Palmer, and Maria Carvajal)
Book Winner: Rebecca Elswick (with honorable mentions for Lynda Martin and Lynda Letona)
Wild Card Winners: Jackleen Holton and Daniela Petrova
**With help from Peter’s estate, we will be offering this opportunity to writers again in the coming year. If you would like to know how/when to apply, watch for announcements in Submit Write Now!
Also, please feel free to leave your comments to congratulate the winners! These are promising writers who need our support, and we know Peter would be proud of their dedication and skill!
Thanks to everyone who shared his/her writing with us! We look forward to hosting this award again soon!
My congratulations to the winers of "The First Annual Peter K. Hixson Memorial". It’s a dream of a lifetime coming through. All of you will start a career of your dreams since you are now in good hands.
Enjoy every step of the way. The support of Writer’s Relief, Inc. can be a big step stone to achieve
your goal, but don’t forget that your hard work will be necessary! Good luck to your al!!!
Sincerely, Odilla Darg
Congratulations to all the winners of the Peter Hixton Scholarship. To have won recognition from such a large number of entries, shows a very high standard in the works chosen.
All the very best with your writing careers!!!
Congratulations Rebecca Elswick, I wish you great success in your novel and your writing career.
Congratulations to Lynda Martin and Lynda Letona… after all, you beat me lol… good luck to both you both in your ‘labor of love’… you deserve all that you get… my hat is off to you.
Sincerely,
Roland.
Great job on winning the contest! Well deserved! Keep up the wonderful writng. You inspire us all!
Ginger
Congratulations to all the winners. I commend you and all who participated. You are the bravest people on the planet because you leaped off the cliff of self exposure with the expectation of flying. Expectation met with success. Well done!
-Andre