Contest News! Announcing the Little Bird judge + this year’s writing prompt!

What is story? Story is the only real magic left in the world. — Cherie Dimaline

Yes! It’s true!

Our judge for this year’s Little Bird Writing Contest is Cherie Dimaline!

Cherie Dimaline is a Métis author and editor from the Georgian Bay community. Her award-winning fiction has been published and anthologized internationally. Dimaline was named the first Writer in Residence in Aboriginal Literature for the Toronto Public Library. She also coordinates the annual Indigenous Writers’ Gathering in Toronto.

Canadians will know her bestseller, The Marrow Thieves, a 2018 Canada Reads pick: a dystopic YA novel in which global warming has devastated the planet and the Indigenous people of North America are hunted for their bone marrow.

The Little Bird contest is open to writers around the world. Cherie will be reading all submissions herself, and choosing three for our anthology, printed by Invisible Publishing.

First prize is $1,000; the two runners-up will receive $250; all three writers will be published in the ebook and print anthology.

This year’s writing prompt is:

Write a story that starts with an ending. Give your character an unusual watch, use the words “striped” and “innovative” somewhere, and end your story with fruit.

Contest opens on April 1st.

Deadline for submissions is May 1st.

In the meantime, get to know more about Cherie Dimaline: read The Marrow Thieves, if you haven’t already, and follow her on Twitter: @writeoncherie.

Find out more about the Little Bird Writing Contest here.

xo,