Six of the winning stories from the 2nd Annual Lanark Lit Writing Competition are scheduled for publication via
We’re excited to share these fantastic works of creative non-fiction with you!
Ages 17 and under category
WINNER — Code Duello, by Mattea Crabtree (Perth)
– “Fabulous and inventive combination of past and present… The historical sections are well-envisioned and imagined, making the scenes very real and relevant. Well-structured, well-researched, and very absorbing.”
Mattea Crabtree is an aspiring writer who, at age 13, has already written several unpublished books and short stories that showcase her imagination and love of adventure. Mattea was a winner in the 2024 Lanark Lit competition for her short story, The Apartment, and was recognized for her “whimsical and fresh voice with excellent character work.” She continues to develop her craft through ongoing learning, writing daily, and attending workshops.
Adults, 18+ category
WINNER — Hold On, by Kimberly Lemaire (Carp)
– “What a journey! Will stay with me for a long time. An ambitious and highly creative work that inverts the expected, moves quickly, and is as surprising as it is unsettling. Succinct and precise, like a well-aimed gut punch.”
Kimberly Lemaire is originally from Pembroke but has called both Halifax and Kingston home. She spent the last three years living in a swamp not far from Carp… because every ogre needs one. Kimberly is currently completing a Master in Fine Arts in Fiction from King’s College University, which keeps her neck deep in revisions most days. Hold On is her first foray into non-fiction.
Adults, 18+ category
SECOND RUNNER-UP (3rd) — Grief and Relief - Holding Close to Let Go, by Jane Olivier (Pakenham)
–“Reached directly into my chest, grabbed my heart, and tore it right out. Struck a perfect balance between detailing one specific end-of-life journey and homing in on universal human experience, with turns of phrase that took my breath away.”
Jane Olivier has lived in Pakenham for several years and is active in the Arnprior and Lanark communities where she volunteers as an English tutor and contributes to museum projects that document local stories. A lifelong wanderer and wonderer, as a writer and editor, she draws on a life spent in many countries, and her nonfiction often examines memory, responsibility, and the ordinary moments that shape us.
Ages 17 and under category
FIRST RUNNER-UP (2nd) — In and out of the Water, by Arya Burkart (Carleton Place)
– “Very evocative. It captures a unique moment yet also contains an invitation to a universal experience that opens a door for the reader to experience the moment alongside the writer.”
Arya Burkart is an 11-year old aspiring author living in Carleton Place, who has a deep passion for creative writing and meaningful storytelling. She often finds inspiration in the beauty of nature and everyday moments. In quieter moments, she loves to read and dabble in carpentry, illustration and other little crafts.
Ages 17 and under category
SECOND RUNNER-UP (3rd) — Fresh Milk, by Neve Kuchinad (Perth)
– “A very strong piece with evocative physical and emotional details. Personal yet informative, filled with sweetness, and a quaint yet fresh vision.”
Neve Kuchinad is 9-years old and lives in Perth. She enjoys playing sports like soccer, hockey and tennis. She also likes to bake with her grandma, go camping and travel with her family, and she absolutely loves cats!
Adults, 18+ category
HONOURABLE MENTION — CLARENCE, by Marcia Taylor (Ashton)
–“A clever and interesting character piece. Well written and humorous, delightfully quirky, with a nice ending. I fell in love with Clarence!”
Marcia Taylor shares an 1840s house in Ashton with her husband Jack. They have lived in the area for 28 years. She enjoys living in a rural setting, especially when listening to her neighbours tell their family tales of village life over the decades. She belongs to several writing groups, and has published a book of humorous poetry called “Grip the Doorknob.”
About the Lanark Lit Writing Competition
With a total of 45 submissions from adults, and 12 submission from youth under 17, stories were sent from all over Lanark County (and a bit beyond), including Almonte, Arnprior, Ashton, Balderson, Beckwith, Carleton Place, Carp, Lanark, Lombardy, Merrickville, North Gower, Pakenham, Perth, Rideau Ferry, Smiths Falls, and Westport.
This region is absolutely chock full of writerly talent, and the competition judges definitely had their hands full. The creative non-fiction entries to this year’s competition took the judges into the minds, hearts and lives of the local writers who submitted their work. Written with exploratory, vivid, and evocative language to transport the reader to a different point in time and place, a vast range of human experience was well reflected, with stories on childhood, travel, loss, and other profound or more subtle impressions.
Our esteemed panel of jurors each participated in a round of blind consideration of the submissions. All author names were removed prior to circulation, and discussions maintained anonymity of the writers and where they were from until the decisions were finalized. Each juror thoughtfully considered every story they read and took their role seriously. As members of the literary community, they know the courage taken by every writer to submit and appreciated elements of every submission. On behalf of our community and all participants we wish to thank our jury for their time, dedication, and thoughtfulness:
The Lanark Lit Writing Competition 2025 is funded by the Elizabeth Kelly Foundation, with partial funding from the Municipality of Mississippi Mills.