For Isnèle Hounkpe, last year’s Awesome Authors winner, seeing her name and work alongside other students motivated her to participate three years in a row: “I’ve always loved writing. And knowing that experienced writers appreciated my work helped me believe in my talent and motivated me to keep writing.”
Whether you’re a parent or an educator, this is your opportunity to help a talent shine. To recognize their unique potential and help them grow, explore, and refine their talent. Who wouldn’t want to support the rise of a future author?
Parents, school leaders, teachers, and tutors — the Awesome Authors writing contest is back for 2026! Encourage the young creators in your life to participate for a chance to be published and to win exciting prizes.
At Ottawa Public Library (OPL), literacy is central to our mission. Contests like Awesome Authors help inspire young people across our community, spark curiosity, and create meaningful opportunities for connection and creativity.
This contest, organized by OPL staff members, also plays an important role in shaping the future of local literature, enriching our cultural landscape, and supporting the next generation of writers and storytellers.
As well, participants will have the chance to meet this year’s judges — Pierre-Luc Bélanger, Éric Péladeau, Catherine Austen, Amelinda Bérubé, and Khaleefa Hamdan — by taking part in one of their workshops. Each will offer an opportunity for the young writers to learn about different writing styles as theyshare insights into the creative process.
A heartfelt thank you to the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association for their generous support and contribution.
Save the Date! Submissions Open on January 12
Youth ages 9 to 18 can submit an original work in the following categories: poetry, short story, comic.
Help spread the word—submissions are open until February 28 through the online form. A valid OPL card is necessary to enter the contest.
The Awesome Authors Writing Workshops take place every Saturday from January 10 to February 21. Check out the full schedule below:
Youth Writing Workshop: Poetry with Apollo the Child | Manotick branch | Saturday, January 10 at 10:30 am
Youth Writing Workshop: Comics with Éric Péladeau | St-Laurent branch | Saturday, January 10 at 2 pm
Atelier d’écriture pour les jeunes : Atelier d'écriture pour humains, robots interdits avec Pierre-Luc Bélanger | Vanier branch | Saturday, January 17 at 10:30 am
Atelier d’écriture pour les jeunes : Atelier d'écriture pour humains, robots interdits avec Pierre-Luc Bélanger | Cumberland branch | Saturday, January 17 at 2 pm
Atelier d’écriture pour les jeunes : Bandes dessinées avec Éric Péladeau | Online I Saturday, January 17 at 2 pm
Youth Writing Workshop: Short Stories with Catherine Austen | Ruth E. Dickinson branch | Saturday, February 7 at 2 pm
Youth Writing Workshop: Short Stories with Amelinda Bérubé | Online | Saturday, February 7 at 2 pm
Youth Writing Workshop: Poetry with Apollo the Child | Main branch | Saturday, February 14, at 2 pm
Youth Writing Workshop: Short Stories with Catherine Austen | Alta Vista branch | Saturday, February 21 at 2 pm
Youth Writing Workshop: Short Stories with Amelinda Bérubé | Nepean Centrepointe branch | February 21 at 2 pm
Help a talent shine!
Ready to inspire the next great storyteller? Encourage a young writer to enter, and watch their creativity take flight.