Announcing the Glowing Winners of the Summer Fireflies Writing Contest!

Hold onto your seats because we're about to announce the winner of the Summer Fireflies Writing Contest!

DAWN MARIE ROACH - SATURDAY AFTERNOONS AT THE TERRACE

Dawn Marie Roach was born and raised in east-end Toronto. She has been writing since the age of nine and has developed a deep passion for it over the years. An avid reader and book collector, she enjoys exploring a wide range of genres. Currently, she resides in Toronto, Canada, where she continues to immerse herself in the world of literature and writing.

Who will claim this prestigious title, coming so close to the top spot? Get ready to celebrate the talent and creativity.

CLAIRE KROENING - DAYLILY BOUQUET

Claire Kroening is a writer and editor based in the Midwest. Their work has appeared in a multitude of online and print magazines, as well as in several anthologies. When they aren't writing, they enjoy visiting museums and reading at a local coffee shop. Their Instagram is @clairerosek, and their website is www.clairekroening.com.

Who will join the esteemed list of winners, leaving an indelible mark with their captivating storytelling?

EMILY SEALS - SLEEPSELVES

Emily Seals is a socially anxious technical editor who resides in Auburn, AL, with her social butterfly beagle, Sensei. She can usually be found being walked by him or supervising his playdates at the dog park. She is happiest completing puzzles, listening to true crime podcasts, or hiding under a mound of blankets.

These talented wordsmiths have taken us on unforgettable journeys through the magic of their storytelling.

ALEXANDRA SHANDRENKO - A DANCE WITH FIREFLIES

Alexandra Shandrenko is a writer and a university student, expected to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and two minors in Cybersecurity and Philosophy.

MIA SOTO - FIREFLIES

M.S. Blues is an 18-year-old multiracial, queer, and versatile writer who has been writing since the age of seven. Her work revolves around the darker pieces of humanity that society tends to neglect. She has been represented by multiple literary magazines and currently serves as an editor for The Amazine, Adolescence Magazine, and The Elysian Chronicles. Her Instagram handle is @ms.blues_.


PETER CONRAD - SILENT CIRCLE

Peter Conrad had two short stories broadcast on CBC radio. Peter’s short story, “Rain” was published online by The Prairie Journal. He has published creative nonfiction in Folklore and Western People. Peter lives in Calgary.

GAVIN BOURKE - I PLAYED A GENUINE HECTOR QUINE

Gavin Bourke grew up in the suburb of Tallaght in West Dublin. Married to Annemarie and living in County Meath, he holds a B.A. in Humanities from Dublin City University, an M.A. Degree in Modern Drama Studies and a Higher Diploma in Information Studies from University College Dublin. His work broadly covers nature, time, memory, addiction, mental health, human relationships, inner and outer life, creating meaning and purpose, politics, contemporary and historical social issues, injustice, the human situation, power and its abuse, absurdism, existentialisms, human psychology, cognition, emotion and behaviour, truth and deception, the sociological imagination, illness, socio-economics, disability, inclusivity, human life, selfishness and its consequences as well as urban and rural life, personal autonomy, ethics, commerce, science, grand schemes and the technological life in English and to a lesser extent in the Irish Language.

BLANCA WHITE - IMORAL CODE IN THE BACK DRESSER DRAWER

Blanca White is a poet and writer from Brooklyn, New York. She studied mechanical engineering and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia shortly thereafter, which helped her gain art inspiration. Her poetry has been featured in Papers Publishing Magazine and, more recently, in the Crowning Jewels anthology. When she’s taking a break from being techy, she can be found staring into the abyss at a coffee shop, supposedly working on her first chapbook. IG: Blanca_is_write

BREIGHA SAWYER - FEMININITY OF SUMMER

Breigha Sawyer, hailing from rural Michigan, embodies a fusion of rustic upbringing and a profound love for nature's wonders. At 28, she stands as a dynamic presence in the realms of nature writing and outdoor exploration. After studying at Biola University in Los Angeles, Breigha was drawn to the tranquil embrace of California's Santa Cruz Mountains, where she found solace amidst the towering redwoods. There, she delved into the intricate world of plant life, from tiny fungi to majestic trees. As a skilled grant writer in the nonprofit sector, she translates her environmental passion into impactful initiatives, securing vital funding for conservation efforts. Alongside her professional endeavours, Breigha indulges in rock climbing and classic literature, identifying as an "arm-chair naturalist". She shares a cosy cabin with her partner, Emory, and faithful canine companion, Sawyer, as she continues her quest to preserve and celebrate the ecosystems she cherishes.


ELIZABETH DAY - I AM A NOTORIOUS LOVER IN A SEA OF HATERS

Elizabeth Day is an author, poet, blogger, and playwright from Las Vegas, Nevada. Her work has been featured in The Just Girl Project, Empyrean Literary Magazine, Contemporary Jo, and Fterota Logia. She is a student at Southern Utah University studying English education with a creative writing emphasis and double minors in theatre and film. You can find her on Instagram @itsanadventur.