Shilpa Dikshit Thapliyal (Second Place in the Letter Review Prize for Poetry):
Thank you Letter Review for honoring my work and giving it so much thought and consideration. I am so delighted by this news. Every writer who is on a literary journey will know the importance of this affirmation. It motivates me to pursue my journey. Your esteemed journal has a wide outreach and readership. I wish you all the success in increasing your scope and bringing forth many more writers through your platform. Thank you.
Diane Croft (Longlist in Letter Review Prize for Poetry):
Sometimes the greatest mysteries of life can only be touched through metaphor, which makes the Letter Review Prize for Poetry so relevant in our technological age. I have been trying to capture a magical day that happened to me in Ireland, 21 years ago, in verse. But did I? When the email came through that My Trip to Ireland had been longlisted, I felt the deep satisfaction of knowing that the spirit of that day was still alive. Thank you, Letter Review!
Isi Unikowski (First Place in the Letter Review Prize for Poetry):
‘Ode’ made its first appearance at the regular Monday night open mic at Smith’s in Canberra (accompanied to the stage by said satchel). Many participants in these open mics — readers or those just want to listen — are new, or emerging poets, drawn to this welcoming and supportive environment. Consequently, many of the conversations around the tables at this gathering are about the issues and questions the Letter Review site deals with, so it’s great that there’s a growing resource here for us all!
Rylie Heaton (Longlist in Letter Review Prize for Poetry):
As a high school student entering the poetry world for the first time, the recognition I received from Letter Review drastically increased my confidence in writing. I am so thankful for the opportunity competitions like these provide for writers to sharpen their skills and stretch their limits. Thank you Letter Review for your support!
Alina Rios (Longlist in Letter Review Prize for Poetry):
So many of us weave words in the dark. So few of us let others see our weavings. Thank you Letter Review for really seeing what I’ve woven. This is not a small thing. Infinite gratitude.
Lisa Harper Campbell (Longlist in Letter Review Prize for Poetry):
I’m grateful for the support and opportunities offered by Letter Review, an outlet which publishes rich and diverse content and offers an engaging and resourceful platform for writers at all levels.
Sami Meddaugh (Highly Commended in Letter Review Prize for Poetry):
Poetry is essentially like a painting in being explicitly expressive in many different forms. It opens the door to welcome opportunity to capture a person’s self through thoughts, emotions, vision, struggles, passions – delicate yet brave strokes of the good, the bad and the ugly representing the truest self without fear of societal judgment. Letter Review is one of many canvases that allows writers of all levels to portray their work. I am blessed to be able to showcase my poetry painting.
Laura Carnes Williams (First Place in Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Letter Review offers a wealth of information along the full spectrum of writing, from craft to the publication business, while providing a showcase for new fiction and poetry from dedicated authors. I feel very privileged to be a part of it.
Aisling Lee (Second Place in Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
I am so grateful to The Letter Review for selecting my story for second place in their short story prize. This is my first time receiving recognition in a writing competition and it feels every bit as exciting as I imagined it would. It just goes to show how invaluable are such platforms as The Letter Review for offering new writers the opportunity to get their name out there, and how much affirmation and confidence there is to be gained from being honoured with publication. Huge thanks to all involved!
Ian Reid (Third Place in Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Without the practical support provided by publication vehicles of high quality such as Letter Review, many writers would slide into discouragement. It’s a great feeling to have one’s work recognised by discerning editors and made available to a wide readership. Website: http://ianreid-author.com/
Mark Grant (Highly Commended in Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Two weeks ago, I found a coarsely grained photo. In front of me squats a huge and ancient typewriter. Beneath my thick brown hair, a smile. But the curve of the lips seems tentative, hesitant. Maybe I was asked to pose for the flash, to say “Cheese”, or maybe the heavy and ponderous keys seemed daunting. I do remember using the machine to write short stories. But all that survives of my typing is a lab report from grade six on making casein plastic. Fifty years later, a lifetime of career and raising a family, and a return to writing. Now in front of me rests a slim laptop. Beneath my thinning white hair, a smile. This time the lips are positive and certain. After days of wet weather, a sunny morning, the trees outside my study window golden leaved. And an email from Letter Review to say that my short story has been highly commended. Whatever hesitation I have felt this past year, wondering if what I compose is of any merit, I must put to one side. This moment I shall savour. Thank you for showing confidence in me. Now to the future.
Taylor Van Arsdale (Highly Commended in Letter Review Prize for Short Stories)
There’s always a slight, anxious feeling whenever you enter a contest–will my writing be well received? Will it be understood? Appreciated? As a writer, most of the time you’re in your own little world, creating characters and crafting stories. Then to put your work out into the universe, outside of your realm, is such a personal endeavor. You can write in a bubble, but ultimately, it’s that gratification of knowing that you’ve touched another person, that you’ve been instrumental in sharing something deep from within, and connected, that makes it all worthwhile. Thanks to the Letter Review writers have the chance to make that connection. It’s a beautiful thing.
Maureen Grosvenor (Shortlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Letter Review has provided a much-needed thumbs up on my writing journey. It is a valuable resource I use regularly to improve my writing skills and now, also to gain recognition for my stories.
Letty Butler (Shortlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Having access to competitions and potential publication in journals like Letter Review really keeps me motivated to keep writing. Being longlisted makes all these 4am scribing sessions seem worthwhile! Thank you!
Emma Rosetta (Shortlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Letter Review has been a beacon of hope in the dark and stormy sea that is this writer’s life. Thank you for the encouragement—I bloody well needed it!
Bruce Ru (Longlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Letter Review is a valuable platform for young and emerging writers to learn, practice, submit and get published. It is certainly pushing writers to strive for their best and encouraging their passion to express ideas about the world with creativity. Thank you Letter Review for supporting us!
Kendal McGinnis (Shortlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Letter Review has become a place I go to as a writer to learn about writing and the writing world: to get thematic and practical advice, hear about triumphs and tribulations, and be a part of a community of creators. Keep up the great work!
Chris Hyland (Longlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
All aspiring writers can find good advice and encouragement from Letter Review. I have found its resources extremely useful in helping to improve my writing. In addition, its competitions offer opportunities for writers worldwide. Let’s all keep writing.
Chris Humphrey (Longlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
It was a delightful surprise to have my work recognised by Letter Review. It is journals such as these that give writers like myself the avenues to move forward with confidence.
Daniel Mueller (Shortlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Letter Review and journals like it are an essential part of the literary ecosystem. The Letter Review short story/poetry prize and low-cost, year-round submissions process encourages new writers to get their stuff out there. Their expert interview series gave me a glimpse into what life as a working writer could be like. ‘Trust the process’ is my favorite bit of advice from author Lynne Barrett-Lee’s interview. Writing can be a lonely and uncertain process for aspiring writers, and it’s so encouraging to read that successful, published authors once traversed the same dubious ground.
Ashley Earls Davis (Longlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Letter Review offers aspiring writers excellent information, advice, tips, guidance and feedback and the possibility of their works being published. Thank you for being such a wonderful source of inspiration and encouragement.
Bruce Maclachlan (Shortlist of Letter Review Prize for Short Stories):
Writing often begins as a solitary activity. The Letter Review gives writers a chance to join a broader community in which the craft of writing is discussed and developed, where support and expertise are offered and where opportunities of publication can be explored and encouraged. The Letter Review is an essential part of the writer’s journey! Thank you for all the help you make available.