Thursday, April 24, 2025
Complete event details forthcoming.
The Tournament of Writers, initially started by Deb Christiansen of Schoolcraft in 2015, is an annual writing competition for authors in Southwest Michigan. The Tournament encourages and promotes local writers with a competition open to new and seasoned writers of all ages. In addition to celebrating writers with cash prizes, the competition provides constructive and encouraging feedback from judges to help participants gain insights from thoughtful readers.
This competition accepts submissions in Poetry, Fiction, and Nonfiction.
A panel of judges scores the submissions using a rubric that evaluates the effective use of language, correct grammar and usage, robust deployment of literary techniques, and creativity. Based on these scores, judges award prizes within each genre, separated by the following age divisions: Youth – Elementary and Middle School (up to 13), Teen – High School (up to 18), and Adult (18 and older).
The Tournament program offers coaching sessions with local authors and bookworms to participants before submissions.
Every entry received for the Tournament of Writers is published in our annual Tournament of Writers Collection. We conclude the Tournament with the Book Release Celebration on April 24, 2025. At the Celebration, winners, including the Gilbert & Ivy Young Adult and Tournament Grand Prize winners, will be announced.
Writer, biographer, ghostwriter, and developmental editor, Seaver's award-winning background in broadcasting adds marketing and audience-savvy to her solid literary foundations. She attended the Iowa Writer's Workshop in 2011 & 2012. Seaver holds a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's in Mass Communication from the University of De
Writer, biographer, ghostwriter, and developmental editor, Seaver's award-winning background in broadcasting adds marketing and audience-savvy to her solid literary foundations. She attended the Iowa Writer's Workshop in 2011 & 2012. Seaver holds a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's in Mass Communication from the University of Denver, Colorado. For more on her most recent book, "This Writer ... the History of an American Newspaper Family" and other titles, see www.seavercreative.com.
Kathy is a retired English teacher, blogger, and current editor of the South County News. She has always enjoyed writing and, in the classroom, loved helping high school students become better writers. She earned her bachelor's degree in English Education from Michigan State University and her master's in Learning Disabilities from Wester
Kathy is a retired English teacher, blogger, and current editor of the South County News. She has always enjoyed writing and, in the classroom, loved helping high school students become better writers. She earned her bachelor's degree in English Education from Michigan State University and her master's in Learning Disabilities from Western Michigan University. She most enjoys writing non-fiction, specifically memoirs and coming-of-age stories. She is a founding member of the Lake Effect Writers Guild. This group meets monthly to share ideas and workshops.
Susan is the Youth Services Librarian at Vicksburg District Library, coordinating the infant through Grade 12 resources and services. Susan’s notable focus is building collaboration throughout the local schools and communities. For over twenty-two years, Susan previously worked as a certified PreK to eighth-grade educator specializing in
Susan is the Youth Services Librarian at Vicksburg District Library, coordinating the infant through Grade 12 resources and services. Susan’s notable focus is building collaboration throughout the local schools and communities. For over twenty-two years, Susan previously worked as a certified PreK to eighth-grade educator specializing in language arts instruction, coaching students to edit and improve their writing skills. Additionally, Susan earned National Board Certification, signifying knowledge of effectively evaluating students. Susan participates in numerous writing workshops, including the Collin’s Writing Program, where she cultivates instruction to teach and assess students while building essential writing skills.
Small Town Anthology XI: Southwest Michigan's Tournament of Writers 2025
Small Town Anthology Volume VIII: Entries
from the Eighth Annual Tournament of Writers
Small Town Anthology Volume VII: Entries from the Seventh Annual Tournament of Writers
Small Town Anthology vol. VI: Entries from the Sixth Annual Tournament of Writers