Fawn Parker is a writer and researcher from Toronto. Her
most recent novel Hi, It's Me was published by McClelland &
Stewart in 2024 and was a finalist for the Writer's Trust Atwood Gibson Prize.
Her debut poetry collection Soft Inheritance was awarded the JM
Abraham Atlantic Book Award and the Fiddlehead Poetry Book Prize. Fawn is the
Poet Laureate of Fredericton and a PhD candidate at the University of New
Brunswick.
Robin Kotze is a prolific
reader and writes short stories for fun. During his diverse and illustrious
career, he has been a university professor, investment banker, international
consultant, and a researcher who authored a number of business management
books.
Robin is a long time friend of
the Stewart family – Cathy, Kennedy, Evan, and Julia – and is now retired
in Fredericton.
Heather’s professional career
included roles at CIBC in various locations throughout Nova Scotia. After
moving to Truro to raise her family, she helped develop and manage Muskol
Lures, a division of Muskol Inc.
Heather has been a lifetime
enthusiast, participant, contributor, and performer through her music. Notably,
she served for a number of years on the board and as president of the New
Glasgow Music Festival, helping to enrich the local arts scene.
A lifelong lover of literature,
Heather has been a member of a number of book clubs, one of such clubs for over
20 years. Heather also enjoys the camaraderie of the Harbour Hookers
rug-hooking community.
She and her late husband, Chuck,
raised three children in Truro. She is now enjoying spending time with her
children, their spouses and her six grandchildren. She loves gardening and
travelling with her family, enjoying life along the Northumberland Strait.
As a cherished godmother of
Julia Stewart, Heather is deeply honoured and pleased to support this
competition as a tribute to Julia’s memory.
Happy New Year! The 2026 Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest is now open for submissions. The contest closes at midnight Atlantic time on July 5, 2026.
If you are an unpublished author who lives in New Brunswick or Nova Scotia, we invite you to submit a short story up to 1500 words. You must be at least 16 years of age to enter.
Please read our submission guidelines and F.A.Q. before entering. Send any questions to jsmcontest@gmail.com
Thanks so much to Tony Astles for sharing this video of the first Julia Stewart Memorial Awards.
The first ever winner of the Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest is Ryan Marshall of Fredericton.
Read the winning story: The French Play
Ryan Marshall is a writer of heirloom horror living in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of New Brunswick. His writing has taken him to such distances as Tottori Prefecture, Japan, where he lived for several years before returning to Canada. He is presently developing a collection of horror fiction concerning the history of New Brunswick.
The second place winner of the 2025 Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest is Stacy de Vries of Nova Scotia.
Read the story: The Girl Who Lit the World
I am a Valley Girl from Nova Scotia, happily married for over 33 years and the proud Mom of two amazing women.
Having bought, sold and renovated several homes and rental properties over the years, a career in Real Estate seemed evident. I love helping clients and the independence of running my own business. When not working, I enjoy lake life with family and friends and especially love my newest role as Mema to Peyton (2 ½) and Ries (1).
Travel is a passion of ours, and most trips revolve around live music. I also love cooking, movies, pop culture and of course, reading. I serve as Co-Chair on the Board of Directors for Chrysalis House, our local Women and Children’s Shelter and am involved with several community fundraising events throughout the year.
I was inspired to write my short story after I saw the contest posted on Facebook; it was meant to be a personal dedication to my dear friend, Julia. I decided to submit it to support the initiative and make a donation to the MS Society, which was so important to her. She was a great light in this world who shone brightly on us all!