Congratulations to the Winners of the 10th Annual First Chapter Contest!

We are delighted to announce the winners of the Chicago Writers Association’s 10th Annual First Chapter Contest.

First Place is awarded to Crystal A. Frost for her mesmerizing opening chapter of The Lonely Redwood. Crystal’s chapter introduces a classical violinist who steps into a rideshare with a mysterious stranger—“the loveliest mannequin I’d ever seen,” she writes. Their brief, intriguing connection ends when he’s dropped at a grand mansion he claims to share with his brother. Yet as the violinist departs with his business card and an invitation to visit, she notices a woman watching from a balcony window. Enchanted yet uneasy, she wonders what she’s stumbled into. As the driver later remarks, “It’s odd… this is the third time I’ve dropped someone off here in the last month.”

Crystal has been awarded a full scholarship to attend either the All-Genre Novel-in-Progress (NIP) Bookcamp & Writing Retreat or the Speculative Fiction NIP Bookcamp & Writing Retreat, both taking place June 21–27, 2026, at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin (value: $1,740).

Second Place goes to Jennifer Chapman for her first chapter of Cool Like Maverick. Jennifer will receive a $150 cash prize.

Third Place is awarded to Rita Dragonette for her opening chapter of Last Sunset in San Miguel. Rita will receive a $75 cash prize.

Honorable Mentions (each receiving a $25 cash prize) are awarded to:
• Judith F. Brenner for The Moments Between the Mic
• Jesse Severson for Small Town Mayor Election
• Leslie Kain for Recovering Harmony
• Helen Valenta for The Gentleman Wore a Dress

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners! 

Members of CWA’s Board of Directors selected the prize winners. Judging was blind and based on merits that should be found in a first chapter, including a good opening hook, strong characterizations, compelling voice, conflict, dialogue, and no grammar/mechanical errors.

Thank you to all of those who entered. We received a record number of entries. The judges were all impressed by the quality of this year’s entries.

Look for details about the 11th Annual First Chapter Contest coming in the summer of 2026.