Without any further ado, let's announce the winners:

KARINA STURDIVANT - WITH LOVE CAME FEAR

Karina Sturdivant is a new writer who has just begun navigating the creative landscape. Married for six years, she and her husband found love through videogames; the game, ironically, was called “Destiny.” Beyond the keyboard, Karina immerses herself in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, video game adventures, and the pages of captivating books. Her goal is to reflect this eclectic mix in her work, crafting worlds that sweep readers into imaginative realms.

In the wake of such fierce competition, it is no small feat to claim the title of first runner-up. Their submission captivated us from the first word to the last, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. Bravo on this outstanding achievement!

KENNEDY TABER - ODE TO WIND

Kennedy Taber is a recent Utah Valley University graduate with an emphasis in creative writing. For a long time, she believed her sole creative calling was prose. It was only recently that she discovered the magic of poetry and its power to enlighten her. Kennedy likes to share her writing journey of her novels and poetry on her Instagram, @kendytaber. Her hobbies include trying new restaurants and recording bird sounds on her iPhone.

The journey to literary greatness is paved with dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to craft. Our Second Runner-Up embodies these qualities and more, earning their rightful place as the second runner-up of Verses and Vignettes. Well done!


AUBREY ACCOMANDO - I WILL ALWAYS FORGIVE YOU

Aubrey Accomando writes and lives in Waterford, Wisconsin. She is an English and writing undergraduate student at Carroll University. Her poems aim to transfix the reader by resonating deeply through the universality of themes regarding romance, internal conflicts, and grief.

To all the finalists of Verses and Vignettes, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and admiration. Your contributions enriched our contest immeasurably, infusing it with diversity, creativity, and passion. Each of you is a winner in your own right, and we applaud you for sharing your gifts with the world. Here is to the boundless possibilities that await on your continued literary journey!


PACO VARA - I STAND BEFORE YOU

Paco Vara has been a musician and songwriter for a long time. His songs are very poetry-oriented and can be listened to as recorded by The Usual Suspects here: https://shorturl.at/fESTU Recently he has been trying his hand at written and spoken word poetry. Two of his poems have been published by Wingless Dreamer and he is currently compiling his song lyrics and poems for an anthology book project.

M.S. BLUES - THE NAME OF MELANCHOLY

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 abundantly published by many literary magazines and currently serves as an editor for The Amazine, Adolescence Magazine, The Elysian Chronicles, and Hyacinthus Zine. Her Instagram handle is @ms.blues_.

CARA TOBIN - THE STREET WHORE

Cara Tobin is a junior in college. She enjoys spending her free time writing poetry and fiction, learning about publication, playing the Sims, and knitting and crocheting. She enjoys reading works of fiction and poetry about mythologies. She was previously published in her college's yearly magazine and a digital literary magazine. Her Instagram is @cara.writes_.

ANGELINA CARRERA - SUNGLASSES

Angelina Carrera, 21, is a student studying philosophy at UC Berkeley.

SOPHIE (KNOX) PETERS - RECOVERING UNDERCOVER OVER LOVER

In addition to the award-nominated text/multimedia ‘Aftermath ‘, written work by Peters has been published by Thirty West Publishing, Red Noise Collective, and Naked Cat Lit, as well as in the book ‘Hibernation’ by Tatum Mann and Zoetic Press. Peters works extensively as a visual artist and writer. She made her debut in the Philadelphia writing scene a little over a year ago, having previously worked in the swamps of New Orleans. She enjoys poetry that squirms, questions, and jokes.

MATT ROBERTS - IN THE AIR TONIGHT

Matt Roberts is a nurse from the UK. He grew up in the valleys of south Wales where this piece is set. This short story is inspired by his childhood summer in Wales and taken from a larger piece called "The summer of '96"

EMILY COLE - I’M TIRED

Emily Cole is an emerging poet who is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She enjoys writing in her free time, but especially writing poetry. She also enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing with her three cats. Emily is excited to share her voice with a wider audience someday, even if it takes a lifetime. Through her poetry, Emily hopes to connect with readers on a profound level and leave a lasting impression on hearts and minds alike.