Meet the notable writers of the 2025 First Chapter Challenge Writing Contest!
First Place: Rot & Ruin
Katherine Gray (@kategraycosplay) is a full-time cosplayer and full-time nerd. When she’s not dressed as a superhero or space cadet, she can be found immersing herself in fiction though writing, video games, and TTRPGs. She graduated from the University of California: Santa Cruz with a degree in Literature and a specialization in Creative Writing in 2020.
Read Katherine’s first chapter of Rot & Ruin, and learn more about her writing process & journey.
Second Place: Harbinger
Aubrey N. Weaver (@anwbelter) obtained her Master's degree in Library Science so she could find a job working around books. She lives with her husband and two daughters and their German Shepherd named Uther. Besides writing while drinking chai tea lattes, you can find her reading, walking, traveling, or spending time with her family.
Read Aubrey’s first chapter of Harbinger, and learn more about her writing process & journey.
Third Place: No One’s Dreaming
Clare F. Millsum (@theatreghost_) is an aspiring writer from Toronto hoping to pursue a career in creative writing. They are currently working, studying, and working on their many stories whenever they get the chance.
Read Clare’s first chapter of No One’s Dreaming, and learn more about her writing process & journey.
Honorable Mentions:
A Path through Shadows by Flora Imperial (@fimperial.author)
Alice in Wonderland: The Wandering Palace by Matthew Marche (@matthewsarova)
Offbook: A Showmance by Kym Dehoney (@kymdehoney)
