Catherine won the 2023 Writing for Children Competition by the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP). Her manuscript, entitled A Drop in the Ocean, won in the Middle Grade category, for readers aged 9 to 12. The story follows two children who use their wits to solve a mystery. They even find themselves in the middle of some pre-historic adventures!

The 2023 Writing for Children Competition received over 600 entries and had six rounds of evaluations from CANSCAIP jurors. Catherine was awarded $500 and sent to three Canadian publishers. 

Catherine has enjoyed creative writing since she was a child. However, she began to take her pastime more seriously 9 years ago, when she joined writing critique groups. These circles provided her with feedback that helped her improve her writing and enter writing competitions. 

“For years, I have had two hopes. One is to become a published author. The other was to win this contest. I have entered it multiple times and I hoped, one day, I might be a finalist or a winner. So, I am incredibly honoured and excited to have won.” says Catherine. 

Catherine’s next step is to communicate with publishers. If the manuscript fits the type of work they are seeking, it may end up in print, as a novel on bookshelves! Either way, we are incredibly proud of her impressive accomplishment!