“Ten years ago, when I decided to become a writer, I didn’t realize I was signing up to pretend to be a writer while suffering the worst imposter syndrome of my life. I had many reasons to feel like an imposter…”

1st Place

“I noticed you immediately. You were holding court on the patio when the hostess settled us at a table across from where you lounged with some girlfriends and a smaller group of men—much older, much uglier, men…”

Runner Up

“The underside of the whale’s pectoral fin emerges from the water like an iceberg, a white triangle tinged with blue, craggy around the edges. The massive fin waves and slaps the water resoundingly while the crowd of whalewatchers, including me, gasps with delight…”

“If I saw that woman in the grocery store, what would I think? I would think she must be very hungry or maybe homeless. If she had a daughter, like I do, I’d want to feed them both…”

13th place in Writer's Digest 2020 Personal Essay Awards

Honorary Mention in Writer's Digest 2022 Personal Essay Awards

Honorary Mention in Writer's Digest 2022 Personal Essay Awards