WRITING CONTEST

WORDFEST OC 2026 Writing Contest Winners

Five Orange County writers have been selected as winners of the annual contest presented as part of the literary festival. Entries were judged based on originality of voice, compelling use of language, and quality of content in the following categories: Short Stories, Creative Nonfiction, Personal Narratives, Novels, and Screenplays. Winners were selected in five divisions. Click on the title of each work to read it.

Best High School Student Entry: "Raktabija Vadha, A Sonata" Poem by Sailee Charlu     

Best College Student Entry:  "Sacrifice" Poem by Simon Diaz-Ordaz

Best Saddleback College Student Entry:  "Car Wash Soap"  Poem by Paige Kavert 

Saddleback College Faculty or Staff Entry Special Recognition: "Best Love Song Ever" Poem by K L Kramer

Best At Large Entry: "The Vision" Short Story Excerpt by Jennifer J. Meyer

Click here to see writers' bios. To see their winning entries, click on the title of their works.

The winners will each receive a $100 gift card and read from their work during the Writing Contest Award Ceremony from 12:30-1:15 p.m. on Thursday, October 15 at WORDFEST OC. Dr. Shellie Ochi, a professor of English at Saddleback College and the Writing Contest Coordinator, will serve as host of the ceremony in HS 145. The awards are sponsored by Friends of the Library at Saddleback College.