Five Canadian authors have been named as finalists for the 2025 Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. This prestigious award acknowledges outstanding novels or short story collections by Canadian writers. Supported by the Balsillie Family Foundation, the prize money for the winner has been increased to $70,000, with finalists now receiving $7,500, up from $5,000.
The 2025 shortlist includes Tim Bowling for “Graveyard Shift at the Lemonade Stand,” Robert McGill for “Simple Creatures,” Otoniya J. Okot Bitek for “We, the Kindling,” Maria Reva for “Endling,” and Aurora Stewart de Peña for “Julius Julius.” A jury comprising fiction writers Gary Barwin, Ali Bryan, and Jasmine Sealy selected the finalists from a pool of 120 submissions.
Accessible formats of the shortlisted titles are available through the Centre of Equitable Library Access. The winner of the Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize will be revealed at the Writers’ Trust awards gala on Nov. 13 in Toronto.
Notable past winners of the award include Sheung-King for “Batshit Seven” in 2024 and Kai Thomas for “In The Upper Country” in 2023. The Writers’ Trust of Canada, which supports Canadian writers through various initiatives, presents 11 prizes annually, recognizing excellence in fiction, nonfiction, and short stories, as well as honoring mid-career and lifetime achievements.
The Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, established in 1997, was renamed in 2021 in honor of Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson, who were among the founders of the Writers’ Trust of Canada alongside Pierre Berton, Margaret Laurence, and David Young.
Readers can delve into the works of the 2025 finalists below:
“Graveyard Shift at the Lemonade Stand” by Tim Bowling:
Set in British Columbia and Edmonton, this collection of short stories explores various transformations and poignant moments of change. Tim Bowling, an accomplished writer with numerous poetry and prose works to his credit, draws inspiration from the landscapes and people of British Columbia’s south coast.
“Simple Creatures” by Robert McGill:
“Simple Creatures” offers a blend of humor and heartbreak in its depiction of everyday life in the 21st century. McGill, a versatile writer of fiction and nonfiction, delves into minimalist lifestyles and their consequences, weaving compelling narratives that resonate with contemporary themes.
“We, the Kindling” by Otoniya J. Okot Bitek:
Through “We, the Kindling,” Bitek delves into the stories of abducted women in northern Uganda, crafting powerful narratives of loss, survival, and hope. Drawing from real-life accounts, Bitek skillfully navigates the boundaries between fact and fiction to illuminate the resilience of her characters.
“Endling” by Maria Reva:
In “Endling,” Reva explores the complexities of war and desire in contemporary Ukraine, weaving together the lives of characters caught in the turmoil of conflict. A poignant reflection on personal and political upheaval, Reva’s novel offers a unique perspective on the impact of war on individuals and communities.
“Julius Julius” by Aurora Stewart de Peña:
“Julius Julius” delves into the surreal world of an advertising agency, where ghosts and peculiarities abound. Stewart de Peña’s narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a satirical take on corporate culture and the pursuit of desire. Her work reflects a keen awareness of contemporary themes and societal norms.
The jury lauds the finalists for their exceptional storytelling and thematic depth, recognizing the diverse voices and perspectives brought to life in these compelling works.