The Wisconsin Academy has announced the winners of its highly anticipated 2025 annual writing contests, recognizing exceptional talent across fiction and poetry categories. Bob Wake secured first place in the fiction category for his work "Mending Ruth," while Diya Abbas claimed the top honor in poetry for "Al-Eashiq."
Wake, hailing from Cambridge, earned the top spot in fiction, with C.E. Perry of Madison taking second place for their piece, "Baby Teeth." The fiction category showcased compelling narratives from emerging and established writers within the state.
In the poetry division, Madison-based poet Diya Abbas's "Al-Eashiq" was awarded first place, demonstrating a profound command of the poetic form. Han Raschka, also from Madison, received second place for their poem, "grand(father) sheds his grudges," further highlighting the rich literary landscape of Wisconsin.
The annual writing contests, organized by the Wisconsin Academy, provide a platform for writers to showcase their creativity and skill. The submission window for the 2025 contests ran from January 15 to March 31, drawing numerous entries from across the region. The Academy's commitment to fostering literary arts is underscored by these annual awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions to fiction and poetry.
The announcement of these winners marks a significant moment for the recognized authors, bringing their work to a wider audience and affirming their literary achievements. The Wisconsin Academy continues its tradition of identifying and celebrating the state's most promising writers through these prestigious competitions.