Choosing the best among many good stories is not so straightforward a task as one might imagine. Our three lead judges, Michael Hutchinson, Zilla Jones, and Mitchell Toews engaged in energetic discussions focusing on the craft of writing and the elements of fiction, ultimately deciding on the following seven stories for our shortlist.
The finalists for “The Dave” 2025 are:
(in alphabetical order)
“The Opposite of Comforting” by Agata Antonow (Hamilton)
“Tides” by Amber Fenik (Ottawa)
“Chaiwali” by Sarah Israr (Toronto)
“Wild Animals I Have Known” by Fisher Lavell (Swan River)
“Runner of the Woods” by Sonia Marrone (Winnipeg)
“Finger Talk” by Lynne Martin (Winnipeg)
“Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies” by Julia Rempel (Winnipeg)
Announcing “The Dave” Short Story Competition Short List
