The Strathcona Place Seniors Society has announced the shortlist
for the John W. Bilsland Award, a new award that celebrates and fosters the
creativity of older writers.
Earlier this year, entries in three categories,
short fiction, short non-fiction and poetry were sought from writers aged 55
years and older living in the Edmonton Metropolitan Area. Prizes of $500 will be awarded in each category.
Final judging will be done by local authors Todd Babiuk and Theresa Shea, and poet Alice Majors. The non-fiction category is being judged by this blogger.
Short fiction works shortlisted are: The Perfect Soldier, Michael Edwin Lamb; A Link Into Hell, Michael Edwin Lamb; Beloved By The Moon, Katherine Koller; Homing Device, Sara Coumantarakis; and Rosa’s Gift, Audrey Seehagen.
Poetry selections are: When I Was We, Anne Lightfoot; The Abandonment Of Robert Frost, Audrey Ruth Shield; Legacy, Anne Stewart; Swans, Michael Mott; and Vacancy, Barbara A. Fraser.
The non-fiction Picks are: Sneaking Scarlet
Sister Mary, by Mary Alice Arial; The Rectory, Betty McDowell; The Deepest
Betrayal, Lynda De Beer; Dr. Caulfield, Donna Petit; and Heard, Kathy Hamlin.
Winners will be honoured at a gala dinner and awards presentation
on September 12. Tickets for the event are $50, with a charitable receipt for
$25, and are available from Strathcona Place Seniors Centre.
John W. Bilsland, MA (British Columbia), PhD. (Toronto), is
Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Alberta. He has taught
creative writing at the Strathcona Place Senior Centre for 25 years.
Strathcona Place Seniors Centre, 10831 University Avenue,
has been serving older adults in south Edmonton for 42 years, providing a range
of social and recreational programs.
For further information email JackBilslandAward@gmail.com or
contact Executive Director Linda Ensley at 780-433-5807.
