The Writer’s Journey
By Dawn Shipman
“The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow if I can, pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins some larger way, where many paths and
Congratulations 2026 Cascade Award Winners!
Congratulations 2026 Cascade Award Winners!
We congratulate the following winners and 2nd-place runners-up of the 2026 Cascade Writing Contest!
Article, column, nonfiction short story
CASCADE AWARD WINNER! “Speedboats and Suffering”—Laurie McDowell
2nd Place “What the Marigolds Knew Before I Did”—Melissa Mayfair
Contemporary Fiction Book
CASCADE AWARD WINNER! Dead
You Cannot Resist What You Do Not Recognize
Have you ever heard the narrative in your head that goes something like this?
- Just look at the way they avoid eye contact, they do not like you…
- You can’t trust anyone … people will always betray you…
- You have nothing to offer, just stay
Messy First Drafts Create Great Films
By Leann Barna
One of the biggest mistakes new screenwriters (or any writers) make is believing the first draft has to be good. Most first drafts are overwritten, underwritten, confusing, and sometimes embarrassing. That is completely normal. The first draft is not where you
Chuse Your Muse
By J Todd McMillan
Yeah, yeah, I know . . . You’re not supposed to get cute with the title of a serious article. But that’s part of my muse construction. It’s part of knowing who I am as a writer and knowing where
Congratulations 2026 Cascade Writing Contest Finalists!
2026 Cascade Writing Contest Finalists
We congratulate the following finalists of the 2026 Cascade Writing Contest!
Article, column, nonfiction short story
- “Before We Prepare for War” —Calvin Fong
- “My God’s Precious Lamp”—Laura L. Bradford
- “Speedboats and Suffering”—Laurie McDowell
- “What the Marigolds Knew Before I Did”—Melissa