Imagined Ink

Learn about our annual teen writing contest!

For 25 years, the Imagined Ink Writing contest has challenged teens ages 12–19 from our library district to submit their very best poems, short stories, essays, and comics. Teens are asked to keep their entries to 1,000 words or less, but that word limit certainly has never inhibited their imaginations!

The depth and thought-provoking direction of many of this year's submissions was compelling. The riveting plots, intriguing characters, and intense subject matters were often expressed in emotionally powerful ways from our young contributors. Several of our entries explore topics that are intensely personal to their authors and provide deeply meaningful insight into their lives.

Knowing this, it was with great consideration that judges from around Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries carefully reviewed and discussed each entry to select this year's winners. We are pleased to present the Best in Show Winner, a 15–19 Age Group Overall Winner, a 12–14 Age Group Overall Winner, and the Runners-Up for each age group.

Find the winners' work in the PDFs below. Find these and other top selections from this year’s entries in our Imagined Ink 2023 eBook.

2023 awards

Best in Show
 
"Poet" by Dianna S. 
 
Age Group Winners 
 
"To Sleep in the Snow" by Megan B. (15–19 Age Group)
 
"Where I’m From" by Jayden S. (12–14 Age Group)
 
Runners-Up
 
"You Will Find Me in Washington" by Makenna F. (15–19 Age Group)
 
"Only Us" by Ethan P. (15–19 Age Group)
 
"Instructions to an Artist" by Madison M. J. (12–14 Age Group)
 
"My Andrea" by Ella H. (12–14 Age Group)