SANDPOINT — They came in all ages and varying in the time spent honing their craft.

The youngest was 7 years old and the oldest author to read their work in the Sandpoint Writers on the Lake's annual contest was 81.

"Almost without exception, people were writing about their feelings and growing up," Bonnie McDade, the group's president, said.

The annual writing contest, which was held March 22, attracted people of all ages to the Sandpoint library community rooms. There the roughly 80 to 90 people who turned up to listen to the several dozen works were tasked with judging the participating writers who read for five minutes from their own unpublished works.  

"The contest seems to attract amazing writers," McDade said. "The stuff they brought forth March 22 was quite amazing."

In welcoming the authors, McDade said she told them that she admired their love for writing and the courage in sharing what they wrote with others.

"It takes courage to write it to begin with," McDade told the Daily Bee in sharing news of the winners. "Writing is a lonely craft and you write by yourself. But then if you share it, even in a critique, it's something that shows courage, but when you stand up and read it to a group of people, that's even more courageous."

This year's contest drew nearly two dozen writers, from 7 years old to over 80, with each sharing personal stories speaking to who they are and stories of their lives.

The audience selected six winners — first place and runners-up in three categories: youth, ages 5-12; young adult, ages 13-18; and adult, ages 19 and older.

In the youth division, Ilya Raphael, 12, won first place for her piece "The Dusty Town," with Silas Rasmussen, 11, named runner-up.

In the young adult division, McKenzie Maus, 18, won first place for her piece, "Knightlight," with Julia Borgholthaus, 16, selected as runner-up.

In the adult division, Emily Erickson won first place for her piece, "Growing Up," with Von Pelot selected as runner-up.

In each age category, winners received a $50 prize for first place and runners-up received a $25 prize.

The 2025 iteration of the contest is at least the 20th one held by the group, which previously was part of the Idaho Writers League before the statewide group disbanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outside of the yearly contest, Sandpoint Writers meets twice a month on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month beginning at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are held at the Sandpoint Library. The twice-monthly sessions offer a chance for members to critique each other's works. In the future, the group is also planning a series of workshops designed to help area writers publish their content, and local author and group member Tom Reppert has hosted writing classes at the library to help students develop their skills. 

Because writing is often a solitary occupation, Sandpoint Writers is a way for authors — published and unpublished alike — to get feedback, connect with others and talk their way through roadblocks they're having in the writing, McDade said.

With the number of writers in the region, McDade said it makes sense to have a group dedicated to the craft.

"There's a lot of talent here and people need an outlet," she said.

What she loves about the group — a sentiment shared by others — is the collaboration and generosity shared by the other authors. Each is willing to share their time and expertise, and all are united by their love of the written word.

All are welcome to join Sandpoint Writers and attend the meetings and workshop sessions.

Information: sandpointwriters.com