Wisconsin People & Ideas Fiction and Poetry Contest Reading

Each year the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters sponsors a fiction and poetry contest for state residents only, and the results can be an intriguing snapshot of what’s going on hereabouts. The first, second and third place fiction writers read excerpts from their work and the poets read a selection of poems. Madison-area winners this year include fiction third place winner Hannah Greendale of Waunakee, and all the poets — Alison Thumel (first), Lex Williams Page (second), and Breanna Grow (third). This is a presentation of the Wisconsin Book Festival.

media release:

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Wisconsin People & Ideas Fiction and Poetry Contest!  

2025 FICTION WINNERS

-First Prize: “Counting Crows” by Elizabeth Hendricks (New Berlin)

-Second Prize: “Full House” by John Mulvihill (New Glarus)

-Third Prize: “Waiting” by Hannah Greendale (Waunakee)  

2025 POETRY WINNERS 

-First Prize: “Julia” by Alison Thumel (Madison)

-Second Prize: “First draft of a letter of support, ghost-written by the patient” by Lex Williams Page (Madison)

-Third Prize: “I realize too late this was a test” by Breanna Grow (Madison)

The Academy's unique statewide contest supports both established and emerging Wisconsin writers with a cash prize, publication, and a week-long residency.

➡ Mark your calendars for a special reading with contest winners on Wednesday, October 29, at 7 pm on the third floor of Madison's Central Library!