Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest

Bluegrass Writers Coalition Inc is pleased to announce the finalists and winners of the

2026 Kentucky Visions Short Story Contest. Congratulations, writers!

First Place: “Muskellunge” by Matt Holman

Second Place: “Materials and Methods" by Mark Llewellyn

Third Place: “Love in the Time of Covid-19" by Brian Daldorph

“The Watermelon” by Shafter Bailey

“Ashes, Ashes” by Danielle Burke

“Tangible Intangibles” by Esther French

“Intruder” by Chris Helvey

“Day Walkers, Night Walkers, & Travis McGee” by Tekoa Manning

“Whippoorwill" by Cortni Marie

“Lavender Violet Purple" by Elle Perry

“A Common Flesh” by Erin Riedel

“The Tea Party” by Richard Stuecker

“Words After Dying” by Aili Whalen

"A Helping Hand" by Lulu Wilson

"Annie at the Wheel" by Lulu Wilson

"Mr. Taliesin's Hoard" by Melissa Woods

Read all of these awesome stories! Ask for this book at your local bookstore:

Click here to meet this year's judges.