We KNOW this one took a while for us to decide. And in our defense, it’s because you all keep turning in such spectacular work! This decision wasn’t easy. When we say there was so much great writing in our queue for this contest, we really mean it. After a long process, we are very excited to announce the results of the 2026 BFLM Spring First Chapters Prize. We would like to thank everyone who submitted and trusted us enough to share your work. Most of us write too, so we understand what that means. Congratulations to our winner, the longlisted writers, and of course, all the brave submitters. Always keep writing no matter what.
Winner
Charlene H. Caruthers for Strange Fruit
Longlist
Allison Bridgewater for Daughters of the Blood Moon
Amanda Bintz for Star Story
Caroliena Cabada for Intimate Industries
Chelsea Myers for Priceless
Christopher Morris for CLEAN. FREAKS.
Elizabeth Conway for Goldilocks and Martian Martha Mullen: August 1992
Gabriele Hickman for Miracles Happen Late
Gráinne Patterson for Into Salt Water
Jackie Stowers for How to Disappear
Jessica Eckerstorfer for Fires That Follow
JL Roberts for The Impossible People
Jules Foshee for All These Doors You May Open
Raymond Brash for The Yank
Rebecca Clemens for Not Quite But Always
Renee Roberts for The Lycanthrope
Tessa Whitehead for Pleaser
We hope our contests are a way for writers to challenge themselves and stretch their writing muscles. If you’re up for a challenge be sure to check out our contest page to see active contests. Thank you all for allowing us to read your work!
