Young South Asian short-story writers were among the winners of Surrey 2023 Surrey Libraries Youth Writing Contest, an annual writing competition for youth aged 12-18. “For as long as I can remember, writing has been my refuge, my voice, and my canvas to paint the vivid tapestry of my culture and life experiences,” said Haider Athar Ansari, winner of third place in Junior Short Story. “Surrey Libraries’ writing contest serves as the bridge that allows me to weave this tapestry and along with it, share my culture and stories with the world.”
By DESIBUZZCanada Staff
SURREY — Young South Asian short-story writers were among the winners of Surrey 2023 Surrey Libraries Youth Writing Contest, an annual writing competition for youth aged 12-18.
“For as long as I can remember, writing has been my refuge, my voice, and my canvas to paint the vivid tapestry of my culture and life experiences,” said Haider Athar Ansari, winner of third place in Junior Short Story. “Surrey Libraries’ writing contest serves as the bridge that allows me to weave this tapestry and along with it, share my culture and stories with the world.”
The contest, which is free to enter, gives an opportunity for young writers to submit entries to one of four categories: short stories, poems, comics, and a random category for other types of writing such as essays, screenplays, or song lyrics. Since launching the contest in 1987, Surrey Libraries has received over 8,000 entries from aspiring young writers from across Surrey. The winners were celebrated at an Awards Gala on October 11.
“This year’s entries were remarkable in both quantity and quality,” said Michael Hunc, Public Services Librarian and contest coordinator. “It’s truly inspiring to witness the level of talent, passion, and courage demonstrated by young writers and artists from Surrey.”
“The amazing response, support and recognition that I got for my entry really amazed me,” said Rishabh Gandi, winner of first place in Junior Short Story. “It motivated me to continue expressing myself through my writing.”
This popular program is organized by Surrey Libraries staff and is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including champion sponsors Khalsa Credit Union, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Surrey International Writers’ Conference.
An anthology of the winners’ work will be available to borrow from library branches and on sale for $8.00 at the beginning of November.
YOUTH WRITING CONTEST Winners 2023:
Junior Short Story
First Prize: Rishabh Gandhi
Second Prize: Feifan Wang
Third Prize: Haider Athar Ansari
Honourable Mention: Jia Lu Hai
Honourable Mention: Lucy Prior
Senior Short Story
First Prize: Sharon Yang
Second Prize: Kristy Tran
Third Prize: Alyana Amadeo
Honourable Mention: Kirat Saran
Junior Poetry
First Prize: Lucy Prior
Second Prize: Isabelle Fan
Third Prize: Landon O’Brien
Honourable Mention: Eden Taillefer
Honourable Mention: Alice Su
Senior Poetry
First Prize: Carolyn Hu
Second Prize: James Enns
Third Prize: Ruby Parker
Honourable Mention: Clary Chow
Honourable Mention: Basma Mangat
Comics
First Prize: Hui Shwen Neo
Second Prize: Sophia Ng
Third Prize: Shenelle Villacorta
Honourable Mention: Esther Park
Honourable Mention: Annis Seo
Random
First Prize: Teagan Chow
Second Prize: Reagan Jaymes
Third Prize: May Chee
Honourable Mention: Rehn Clyde TanHonourable Mention: Aadil Sood
