Writing Contest Winners Announced

We're thrilled to announce the winners of Write Here Write Now 2025, Burlington Public Library's annual writing contest!

It’s no secret that Burlington has a wealth of writing talent. Our community is brimming with creativity and loves to celebrate it with others. Our annual Write Here Write Now writing contest confirms that writing truly is a lifelong passion in our city. The contest ran from May 1 to May 31, and was open to everyone ages 10 and up who lives, works, or attends school in Burlington.

Announcing Our Winners

Competition was tough again this year, with 235 entries submitted across all categories for judging—a significant increase over the 150 entries in 2024. A panel of BPL staff reviewed all submissions and was amazed by the incredible talent displayed in every category

Poetry

Ages 10-12: Anxiety by Katherine de Vries

Ages 13-17: Everything Reminds Me of You by Daphne Lindsay

Ages 18+: Now You Can Breathe by Rachel Swiednicki

Short Stories

Ages 10-12: I Hear a Whisper by Ella Carmichael

Ages 13-17: Say Something, Not Nothing by Conor Gross

Ages 18+: Where Whispers Wake Up by Kriti Majumdar

Comics

Ages 10-12: Whisper the Ghost by Star Lucier

Ages 13-17: no entries

Ages 18+: Christine by Tammy Kim

Thank You, Burlington!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered Write Here Write Now. It takes real courage to share your creative work, and we are proud of all of you.

We hope you’ll take a moment to read these fantastic winning entries—the talent and dedication behind them are truly admirable. If you’re interested in participating in the future, keep an eye out for opportunities to hone your writing skills at our two annual festivals: the Burlington Literary Festival in November and Burlington Lyrics & Poetry Festival in April, where we offer a range of writing workshops for all ages.