Why do you write? Many past winners of the Awesome Authors youth writing contest couldn’t choose just one reason—but they all described the same feeling: freedom. The freedom to shape the imaginary worlds inside them into words, and the freedom to express what they truly feel.
As Elise Depayras from Lycée Claudel, 2025 Awesome Author Winner and author of Miroir, mon beau miroir, explains, writing has been a powerful outlet for her imagination and emotions. “I started writing stories when I was nine. Writing gave me a way to bring the imaginary world in my head to life on paper. Writing helped me not to explode, I guess. I always liked to tell stories and invent them. As I grew and learned new words, it became easier to translate my imagination into language.”
If writing is your outlet, your way of giving life to your ideas, and expressing your deepest emotions, the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest is for you!
What Is the Contest About?
The Awesome Authors contest is an annual program presented by Ottawa Public Library.
Young writers aged 9 to 18 from the Ottawa region are invited to submit their original work in the following categories: short story, poetry, comics.
For many years, this contest has showcased the creativity and talent within our community, paving the way for future authors and creative professionals.
A heartfelt thank you to the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association for their generous support and contribution.
Why Enter?
All winning entries will be published in a printed anthology. Plus, participants will have the opportunity to meet professional authors and learn firsthand what it’s like to be published. All 1st‑place winners will receive a Kobo Clara e‑reader. Good luck!
Meet the Judges
This year’s judges — Pierre-Luc Bélanger, Éric Péladeau, Catherine Austen, Amelinda Bérubé, and Khaleefa Hamdan—are all local creators eager to share their expertise with young writers through workshops and meaningful conversations.
How to Enter
Participants can submit their work through the online submission form using a valid OPL card. The deadline to enter the contest is Saturday, February 28.
Be sure to read the contest rules carefully before submitting your work. Get all the details about the contest on the 2026 Awesome Authors webpage.
Now it’s your moment. Take the leap into the adventure. Let your imagination shine, because your story deserves to be heard. We’ll be waiting at the finish line, cheering you on every step of the way!
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What other Awesome Authors winners think about the contest:
Cecelia Hope Corrigan, Homeschooled, Hot Dog Hazard — An Awesome Author in the Making
Cecilia loves to write. For her, writing is fun, creative, and a way to stretch her imagination.
Her journey with the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest began at OPL’s Richmond branch, when her mom spotted a bookmark about the contest and asked what it was all about. Once Cecilia learned the purpose, she knew she wanted to participate. That was two years ago.
Last year, Cecelia decided to try again, and she truly found her stride. As a result, she won third place in the short story category. Winning reminded her why she enjoys writing and how much she’s grown as a young author.
To new participants, Cecelia has this advice: “You should join in, it’s really fun!”
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Selena Baksh, Vincent Massey Public School, Things They Don’t Tell You— Finding Her Voice Through Writing
Selena Baksh has been writing since she was in third grade, and her stories were inspired by her cat. What started as simple storytelling soon became something much more meaningful: she discovered that she had a voice and wanted to use it to remind others that they are not alone and that they don’t have to face their struggles on their own.
For Selena, writing is a safe and powerful space where people can express themselves, feel supported, and be heard.
Her experience with the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest has been very positive and has helped her grow as a writer. As she prepares to apply to an arts-focused secondary high school, writing continues to play an important role in her journey.
Selena’s advice to new participants: “Always edit. Even if you’re not happy with your work one day, come back to it later—revisit it. Something will change.”
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Lois Emesomi Tomo, Maplewood Secondary School, Both Hands — 3rd Prize Winner in the Comic Book Category
Lois Emesomi Tomo is a 3rd prize winner in the comic books section of the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest. Her love for storytelling started early—around age 7 or 8—when she began creating mini comic books. While she says her early drawings weren’t very good, that never stopped her from making them.
Lois would take her comics home or share them with classmates, and seeing others enjoy something she created made her feel incredibly proud. That joy of creating and sharing stories stayed with her.
Knowing her interest in art, Lois’ teacher encouraged her to join the contest and see what might happen. She took the chance, attended the workshops, and found the experience truly rewarding.
Lois’s advice to new participants: “Just try it. You won’t know what it’s like until you do. Be ready to try new things, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.”