It’s time! Here are the winners of the 2024 Short Forms Contest, as chosen by our wonderful judge, Zalika Reid-Benta. Congratulations to these writers on their big success for their short works!
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FIRST PLACE: Definitions of Non-Fish, by Shaheen Virk
Shaheen Virk is a Panjabi writer living on the unceded territories of the SEMYOME (Semiahmoo), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sc̓əwaθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) First Nations. She has an English undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University and her work focuses on the intersections between ecology and immigration.
In less than 500 words, “Definitions of Non-Fish” succeeds in rendering a lyrical and thought-provoking examination of loneliness, alienation, resilience and character all in equal measure. Carefully crafted yet not constrained, this is a wonderful short piece of fiction. — Judge Zalika Reid-Benta
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SECOND PLACE: Wildfire, by Lana Kouchnir
Lana Kouchnir is a Ukraine-born, Toronto-based actor and writer. Her artistic practice centers themes of queer femininity; immigration; Russian colonization; and Ukraine’s right to armed resistance against ongoing genocide.
“Wildfire” is both visceral and deliberate; its imagery precise and descriptive. Every sentence is delicate and yet packed with a kinetic punch that brings about its subject with resounding clarity. — Judge Zalika Reid-Benta
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THIRD PLACE: About Your Boyfriend, by Ella Ramsay
Ella Ramsay is a writer and ceramicist living in Tiohtiá:ke/Montréal. She has a BA in philosophy from the University of King’s College. Her writing has appeared in Lez Spread The Word magazine and Unearthed Online Literary Journal. She is currently at work on a sculpture series and a collection of short stories.
The prose in “About Your Boyfriend” is like a pleasant song that stays in your head and that you’re happy to revisit again and again. Each time, you discover a new detail and a new meaning. — Judge Zalika Reid-Benta
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You’ll be able to read Shaheen’s first place piece in Room 48.2, to be published in June 2025. A final congratulations to all three winners!
As always, a big thank you to every writer who trusted our collective, and our judge with their writing. Whether it is 500 words or 2,000, submitting your writing anywhere at all takes courage, and we are so grateful for all those who chose Room to make that leap.
Last but not least, a thank you to our wonderful judge, Zalika Reid-Benta, for the time and care put into selecting a shortlist and three winners – these pieces may have been small, but our gratitude for you is immeasurable! We couldn’t have run this contest without your thoughtful comments, patience, and careful consideration.
In case you missed the previous announcements, you can check out our 2024 Short Forms longlist and shortlist, here.
Room‘s annual Short Forms Contest will open again in September 2025.
