The emotional intensity of our post-pandemic anthology has given way to a more reflective mood as many of the finalist entries explore, explain, or challenge beliefs. While nonfiction took the Grand Prize, the fiction, children's/YA, and poetry authors were likewise interested in digging deeper into perspectives on culture and humanity. If you enjoy discussing life, the universe, and everything with a stranger, you'll love this. There's a proverb that advises us to "get understanding." As we are surrounded by forces that seek to define and divide us, it's an act of courage to dig in our heels and keep pursuing an understanding of whatever "others" we've been raised to hold at a distance. It's courageous to submit pieces of ourselves to a wide-open contest where success means even further exposure. We are honored to be entrusted with these stories. Congratulations to all our finalists, especially our Category and Grand Prize Winners. We hope to see more from every one of them.
