Frenchman Bay Conservancy is thrilled to introduce our first ever nature writing contest! Submissions are open through Sunday, March 15!

The theme of the contest is “stories from here.” We want to highlight the voices of writers like you, with personal connections to our region’s lands, waters, and communities! How does the natural world color your experiences? What does this place mean to you?

We welcome all writing that is about, or inspired by, nature. We especially encourage submissions from writers who are based in eastern Hancock County, Maine, or who are connected to the area. Likewise, we are especially excited to read work that is inspired by the lands, waters, and communities of eastern Hancock County or the greater Downeast region.

Details and how to submit:

• We are accepting submissions of fiction, personal essays, and poetry.
• Submissions are open through Sunday, March 15.
• Writers may submit up to 3 poems, or up to 1,500 words in the fiction or personal essay category. Please submit to one category only.
• We are accepting work from both adults and youth writers! The youth category includes two age groups: kids (12 and under), and teens (13–17). Please specify your/the writer’s age in your submission, and please provide an adult’s contact info.

Winners will be selected by accomplished local writers and educators, and will be published in print in FBC’s Spring Newsletter. Winners and additional honorable mentions will also be published on FBC’s website. Participating writers may be invited to share their works on additional platforms or at FBC events — stay tuned for details!

Youth writers contest:

Youth fiction and essay judge Hazel Stark is the owner of Maine Outdoor School, L3C and a Registered Maine Guide who has spent her career helping people, especially youth, connect with the natural world through outdoor education. She grew up in Maine with a tent as her bedroom for half the year from age 9-18, a childhood that sparked the outdoor curiosity she now endeavors to share with everyone she meets. Hazel is delighted to support youth fiction and nonfiction/essay writers as a contest judge—and is secretly at work on a rhyming children’s book starring a skunk and a porcupine.

Youth poetry judge Jean Frances Pauly enjoys engaging young folks through storytelling and song in her position as Youth Programmer at the Ellsworth Public Library. When she’s not at the library you might find her adventuring in the woods or on the water with or without a banjo and a song. She lives with her husband, a large fluffy dog, and a cat with an oversized personality.

Adult writers contest:

Poetry judge Audrey Gidman is the author of two chapbooks, body psalms (Slate Roof Press, 2023), winner of the Elyse Wolf Prize, and griefnotes (Porkbelly Press, 2026). She serves as guest editor for Frontier Poetry, chapbook editor for Newfound, and the
2026-2028 Poet Laureate of Belfast, Maine.

Essay judge Margie Patlak is a science writer, author, and photographer. Her memoir More Than Meets the Eye: Exploring Nature and Loss on the Coast of Maine was given an “Outstanding Book” award by the American Society of Journalists and Authors in 2022. Her photobook Wild and Wondrous: Exploring Nature’s Artistry on the Coast of Maine was published in 2023, and her latest book Insect Safari: Exploring the Wondrous World of Everyday Bugs will be published in June of 2026.

Fiction judge Cynthia Thayer was born in New York City, grew up in Nova Scotia, and has lived on the coast of Maine for fifty years. She and her late husband moved to Darthia Farm in Gouldsboro in 1976 and transformed it from an old overgrown farm to the vibrant organic farm that it is today. Frenchman Bay Conservancy holds the easement on the entire property. Cynthia is the author of three novels and her latest book, a memoir entitled We’re Going Home, a story of her husband’s accident in the woods with the horses and the creation of Darthia Farm from its beginnings to present day. She teaches writing workshops around the state and mentors young writers.