Kentucky Visions
Short Story Contest
In October of 2023 Bluegrass Writers Coalition launched the Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest, an annual contest designed to highlight Kentucky’s rich literary talent and to celebrate the best in short fiction written by Kentuckians or about our beloved Bluegrass state. Response to the contest was overwhelming! Five multi-published judges evaluated each entry, and have selected sixteen finalists.
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Finalists were recognized on April 12, 2024 at a ceremony held in the rotunda at Kentucky's state capitol building in Frankfort. The awards were presented by Lindy Casebier, the Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
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Congratulations to the finalists!
"Billy Ray Something” by Bill Smoot
“Buckshot Bordereau” by J.C. VanHorn
“Ernest and the Queen of the Wolves” by Lynette Hill
“Frank's Last Rites” by Jana Gillham
“Letters to Someone Else” by Helen Vidrine
“Lies and One-Eyed Frogs” by Avery Knockel
“Marti's Plight” by Tekoa Manning
“Off to Oz” by Marie Mitchell & Mason Smith
“Paper Monsters” by Vicki Reed
“Pete and Idy” by Gayle Hanratty
“Pocket Money” by P.K. Richard
“Running Out” by Derek Trumbo
“Seeds” by Briar Hyssop
“The Ghost Magnet” by Marie Mitchell & Mason Smith
“This Old Kentucky Home” by Cortni Marie
“What you Don't Know” by Karen George
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All 16 finalist stories have been published in a commemorative collection. Purchase from your favorite bookstore or online.
Virginia (Ginny) Smith
Contest Coordinator
BWC Incoming President
Lindy Casebier, Karen George, Chris Helvey (current BWC President)
Lindy Casebier, P.K. Richard, Chris Helvey
Lindy Casebier
(in front) Marie Mitchell, (in back) Lindy Casebier, Mason Smith, Chris Helvey
Lindy Casebier, Gayle Hanratty, Chris Helvey
Lindy Casebier, Cortni Marie, Chris Helvey
Lindy Casebier, Tekoa Manning, Chris Helvey
Contest Judges: Damian Beach, Virginia (Ginny) Smith, Chris Helvey, Paul Stansbury. Not Pictured: Vicki Easterly
Questions? Send us a note through the Contact page.