I am happy to announce that my short nonfiction story, “The Count,” has just been awarded Nonfiction Honorable Mention for Joy of the Pen 2024! This is a Maine-based writing competition held by Topsham Public Library, sponsored by several local organizations. This story is about a single day that I worked as a seasonal park ranger. It was written not long after I had left my position.
Publication Journey: “The Count” was rejected by two publications (Ninth Letter and Boulevard—both were not encouraging rejections) earlier this year before it found a home in Joy of the Pen. I am happy that the piece will be in a Maine-specific journal, as it is a Maine-specific story.
I am honored to have placed in this journal. Many incredible writers call Maine home, and the Joy of the Pen publishes excellent work every year. For these reasons, putting my work out into this community feels extra special. I am thankful to the coordinators and judges who worked hard to put this competition together.
This piece is available to read on the Joy of the Pen website, here.