Sean Thompson, Michael E. Hayes, and Janette Byron Stone win 2026 Key West Writers Guild awards

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts, in collaboration with the Key West Writers Guild is pleased to announce that Sean Thompson has garnered this year's writing award for his manuscript, “In Death We Do Not Part”. The Arts Council is honored to also present 2 inaugural awards – one for poetry collection to Michael E. Hayes, and to Janette Byron Stone for her short story/memoir entry, sponsored by the Riley Fisher Family Foundation.

This year marks the 22nd annual award for the cash prize which is supported by an endowment under the administration of the Arts Council. Past winners include Amber Nolan, Brian Jay Condike, and Mary Lou Condike. The manuscript, identified only by number, was reviewed in a competitive field of submittals and selected by three distinguished judges.

Local writers with works in progress are encouraged to apply for the 2027 awards for $2000. To qualify, one must be a resident of Monroe County, a member of the Key West Writers Guild, and working on either a novel or a work of non-fiction, poetry collection and short story/memoir. Applicants must read from their work at meetings of the Key West Writers Guild. Membership is paid annually, and meetings are held at 9:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month in the community room at La BRISA. For more information – please visit the Arts Council website www.keysarts.com