Creative writers award applications due July 31

Now in its 13th year, the Peter K. Hixson Memorial Award for creative writers is accepting submissions.

This year, Writer’s Relief will be offering two awards in Hixson’s name, with one winner in the short stories/essays category and one winner for poetry. There is no fee to enter, and submissions will be accepted through Monday, July 31. Each winner will receive six months of Writer’s Relief services absolutely free ($2,000+ value).

For more information or to apply, go to writersrelief.com.

Over the years, many writers have benefited from receiving the Peter K. Hixson Memorial Award. Katherine Haro, 2020 short story winner, said, “As result [of winning the Peter K. Hixson Award], not only have I received insight on publishers that are a fit for my writing, but I accomplished my first publishing credit.”

Shirley Hilton, 2021 poetry winner, said, “In the short time I’ve been working with them, they have placed six of my poems in literary journals. I could have never done it without Writer’s Relief.”

In 2002, Hixson submitted samples of his short stories to the Writer’s Relief Review Board and was immediately offered a place on its invitation-only client list. During his partnership with Writer’s Relief, Hixson saw his work published in established literary journals such as Concho River Review, The MacGuffin, North Atlantic Review, The Texas Review, Whiskey Island Magazine and more.

Hixson was so pleased with the results that he bequeathed funding in his estate to Writer’s Relief to establish an award to help struggling writers. When Hixon passed away, his donation was combined with additional contributions from his family members. With support from Writer’s Relief, the award has been offered since 2010.

“I think his idea for a writing award grew from his understanding of how difficult it is to get published and to not lose hope,” said Doug Hixson, Peter's twin brother.

Hixson’s wife, Lois Benedict, said, “Peter felt fortunate in his ability to avail himself of Writer’s Relief services, and he wanted to share that valuable experience with other struggling writers.” Hixson had increasingly focused on submitting his poems, short stories and essays later in life, after he had earned multiple degrees and established himself as a speech-language pathologist.

“Peter’s bequest of this award was an act of exceptional kindness and generosity,” said Ronnie L. Smith, president of Writer's Relief. “We were honored to have been a part of his writing life, and we feel privileged to keep his memory alive by continuing to help talented writers in need.”

Headquartered in Rehoboth Beach, Writer’s Relief is an author submission service that assists writers with the process of submitting work to literary agents and editors. Its research experts target the best publishing opportunities to boost clients’ odds of getting an acceptance. With help from Writer’s Relief, more than 90% of its short prose and poetry clients have had their work published.