Nick Adams Short Story Contest
Clare Boerigter
Presenter: John Ottenhoff, ACM Vice President
Now in its 40th year, the Nick Adams Short Story Contest was created with funds given by an anonymous donor to encourage young writers who are students at ACM colleges. The winning story is selected by a professional writer, and its author receives a $1,000 prize.
Clare Boerigter, winner of the 2012 Nick Adams Short Story Contest.
The winner of the 2012 contest is Clare Boerigter, a sophomore at Grinnell College. Boerigter's story, "Gusanos," was selected for the honor by Chicago novelist, editor, and teacher Gina Frangello, who served as final judge.
At the Student Symposium, Boerigter gave a presentation in which she read excerpts from "Gusanos" and talked about influences on the story – in particular, Hopi traditions and an article in Sierra magazine – and explained how they impacted some technical aspects of the piece.
"Gusanos" and winning stories from past years are posted on the Nick Adams Contest webpage.
This year, 40 stories were submitted for the contest through ACM college English departments. ACM faculty members Sören Steding (Luther College) and Craig Watson (Monmouth Colleges) selected six finalists to advance to the final round of judging.
Along with Boerigter, the finalists in the 2012 contest were Kate Barrett (Knox College), Tana Goar (Beloit College), Andrew Kim (Lawrence University), Julia Ohman (Knox College), and Nina Slesinger (Macalester College).