The Retrospect Best of the Fest Winners

Every year, the Collingswood Book Festival organizes a contest sponsored by The Retrospect, delivering local news each week to over 5,000 homes and businesses. This year, The Retrospect Best of the Fest prompt was STRANGE WEATHER. Participants were asked to consider the topic of climate change and to submit their poems, essays and stories. Entries were reviewed by a panel of seven judges, members of the Collingswood Creative Writing Group, which meets at the Collingswood Public Library on the second Tuesday evening of every month. 

This year, the youth entry prize was awarded to Antonia D’Egidio for her poem entitled The World We Make. “The entry we honor,” the judges said, “poignantly recalls the oft neglected truth that we are not separate from the land, time, each other, or our ancestors, whether we like it or not. This entry is an urgent reminder that our interconnection is a gift from the beyond, not a burden to avoid. The young writer powerfully evokes the wisdom of our ancestors past and future.” The prize was donated by Songbird Karaoke, a private suite karaoke entertainment sensation in Collingswood.

First place in the adult entries was awarded to Suzanna Cook, whose story, Untitled, “accurately portrays the differing viewpoints of climate change held by the population,” said the judges, “from worry to optimism to indifference. It is beautifully written and opens the door for difficult conversations about the future of Earth.” The $100 prize was sponsored by The Retrospect.

Second place was awarded to Donna Maccherone for her poem Deer, Me. “In just five stanzas,” said the judges, “the author masterfully expresses profound sentiments in ways both beautiful and poignant.” This award was donated by Mercantile 1888, featuring vintage finds, locally sourced treasures and a zero-proof bar.

And, third place was awarded to Megan Woods, for her essay, The end of the world is gradual. “The success of this piece lies in its narrative style,” the judges said. “The stream-of-consciousness narration lends itself to the collective realization that the whisper can be just as devastating as the bang.” This award was also donated by Mercantile 1888.

The Festival organizers would like to thank everyone who participated. Congratulations to all the award recipients!