The Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia announced the winners in its 33rd Atlantic Writing Competition on August 18 in Halifax and a pair of Lunenburg County residents were among the finalists.

 Diana Clarke of Blockhouse placed second in the H.R. (Bill) Percy Novel Prize competition for her work, "The Holbein Provenance."

 Meanwhile, Lunenburg's Rick Myers received an honourable mention for his work, "The Souvenir," in the Budge Wilson Short Story Prize competition.

 The Atlantic Writing Competition was established in 1975 as a venue for Atlantic writers to submit their unpublished and untried manuscripts.

 The competition has, in the 35 years since its inception, become a part of the literary landscape of the Maritimes, with a number of famed writers earning wins and placements, from Budge Wilson to George Elliott Clarke.

 One award is even named after a famous writer with well-known ties to Lunenburg County.

 The Joyce Barkhouse Writing For Children Prize is so named to honour the author of "Pit Pony" and numerous other works.

 Many authors who have seen success in the Atlantic Writing Competition have used it as a springboard to future success.

 As recently as last year, novel category winner Scott Fotheringham's manuscript "The Rest Is Silence," will be published in 2012 with Goose Lane Editions.

 The jury is composed of writers, editors, publishers and librarians, who have been poring over 187 entries since January.

 The winners will receive their prizes at the Jane Buss Gala Celebration of Writers and Writing on September 25 at Alderny Landing Theatre in Dartmouth.

advertisement

 Those wishing to enter manuscripts for the 2011 Atlantic Writing Awards can do so now. The deadline for the 34th competition is December 3. For more information, visit http://www.writers.ns.ca.

posted on 08/31/10