Ryan Marshall ~ Winner of First Prize
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.
Stacy de Vries ~
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!
Bilge Bayhan ~
Bilge Bayhan is a high school
student born in İstanbul who got shoved into writing back in grade six by her
language arts teacher—and she just… never stopped. Most of her stories end up
in the graveyard she calls Google Docs, but sometimes they make it out alive.
She writes about everything from motorsport races to strange little short
stories, usually at 2 a.m., when she should be sleeping. When she’s not
writing, you’ll probably find her watching F1, painting something
half-finished, or buried in a book.
Jane Thomson ~
Jane Thomson lives in Fredericton
with her wonderful family where she teaches law and enjoys listening to
podcasts that recap Bravo television programs. She has enjoyed creative writing
ever since she was young, but life and career obligations got in the way for a
long time. Thanks to the Julia Stewart Memorial Short Story Contest, she has
found her way back to it. She plans on never leaving again.
