TMI Emerging Writers Award

TMI Emerging Writers Award

Win a pair of writing courses: The Thomas More Institute Emerging Writers Award aims to support young adult writers who have had limited opportunities to develop their craft.

Calling young writers!

Would you like an opportunity to explore the craft of creative writing in a friendly setting, and with other enthusiastic learners? Do you dream of producing thoughtful and captivating work that says what you really mean, and touches the hearts of your readers?

In celebration of its upcoming 80th anniversary, The Thomas More Institute (TMI) wishes to uplift young adult writers through the Emerging Writers Award.

Two winners will be selected to participate in two writing courses each (a value of about 450$ for each winner). Winners and finalists will also see their works published in Voices: A TMI Writing Journal. In order to be considered, send us your submission in accordance with the rules below.

————-RULES————-

WHO: The competition is open to young adults aged 21 to 35. You do not have to be enrolled in or connected to an academic institution to apply.

PRIZES: Winners will choose two writing courses from the list of courses offered at TMI in the 2025-2026 academic year. This list will be released in July 2025. To view examples of writing courses offered in the past, visit courses.thomasmore.qc.ca. Click though the different terms in the menu to see the full set of courses that were offered.

Please note that the Thomas More Institute is based in Montreal, and courses are sometimes held in person. While the Award is open to non-residents of Montreal, if a winner selects an in-person course, the winner must make arrangements to attend. The Thomas More Institute will not offer travel or accommodations.

Courses are also sometimes held over Zoom. Winners must ensure that they have a reliable internet connection to participate in their chosen courses if applicable.

Winners will be able to read course descriptions and be informed of course locations before choosing their courses.

WHEN: The competition is open from May 5, 2025 to July 14, 2025.

SUBMISSION FEE: None

HOW TO SUBMIT:
Please submit the following 2 items:
1) A cover letter that answers the following prompts: What does writing mean to you and your life? How do you think this award could help you?
2) A sample of your creative writing work. This can be any genre of creative writing, including but not limited to: short story, creative nonfiction, and poetry.

  • The cover letter and sample must be submitted in Word or pdf format.
  • Please include your full name in every document you submit.
  • The maximum word count is 900 words. Please include the word count on the first page. We will not be able to consider pieces that exceed the word count.
    Note: You may submit an excerpt of a longer work, but if you do, please provide a few lines introducing the chapter or scene, to provide some context. The contextual paragraph will not be included in the final word count, but must not exceed a quarter of a page.

  • Font: Times New Roman Size 12 or 14.
  • Please note that if you agree to publication in Voices: A TMI Writing Journal, you authorise the Thomas More Institute to publish your writing sample in its entirety or in excerpted form in print, on the Institute’s website, and on its social media platforms.

    • Submissions will be accepted via email to info@thomasmore.qc.ca.

    We will begin contacting winners in August 2025. Good luck to all of you! We look forward to meeting our award recipients this Fall.

    About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute is an academic institution in Montreal, offering courses in the liberal arts for adults. For many years, it has offered a variety of creative writing courses, covering genres as varied as fiction, non-fiction, memoir, poetry, screenwriting and fantasy writing. The writing courses are designed to help writers develop their skills in a supportive environment, as well as help them to find their distinct voice.