Advice from Tamra Badgett, Judge of the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest
I am a writer of prose poetry, nonfiction, and memoir, currently editing my debut poetry collection. In addition to writing, I spend my time coaching, volunteering, and doing my best to raise two kind humans and two well-behaved dogs. It is an honor and a pleasure to take the reins from Mina Manchester as the final judge of the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest. Her tenure as judge was marked by thoughtfulness and a deep commitment to diversity of theme and subject matter—values I share wholeheartedly.
I enjoy reading the work of other writers, whether it's polished and ready for publication or a bit rough around the edges. Each provides a different satisfaction. As judge, I look forward to finding what Adam Ross, editor of The Sewanee Review, calls "sticky" pieces—those that linger long after the initial read. In such work, craft and content work together to create a lasting impact. That effect doesn't depend on a neat resolution; often, the best work concludes with unanswerable questions.
Defining what makes a "sticky" piece is paradoxically broad yet elusive. As my predecessor said, the basics must be present: a clear beginning, middle, and end, emotional resonance, and dimension. Contestants should ask themselves if their work demonstrates variety in both craft and emotional range. Any work worth a second glance will develop from these foundational elements.
Readers want to be led with confidence. Strong submissions show tight structure. Digressions and extraneous details should be weighed carefully and earn their way into the work. A professor of mine once said that everything in a standout story will serve a purpose, from the verbs to the POV to the characters. Before submitting to the contest, I encourage writers to reread their work through the lens of someone reading a hundred stories on the same subject: What makes this one unique? How is the content conveyed in a new way? Mina shared valuable insight on how to exercise one's muscles for self-critique: "Read a lot." Reading sharpens our awareness of how topics are typically treated and strengthens our sense of authenticity. Reading widely and consistently also enhances our recognition of solecism. In my own experience, I tend to come away from great literature with a renewed sense of courage and excitement to add my own voice to the world.
Emerging writers should start with a small circle of trusted readers who offer varied perspectives. These readers will provide honest, valuable feedback, allowing necessary edits prior to submission in the contest. Their feedback is a gift, even if you disagree with some of their notes. My MFA mentor, Rebecca Gayle Howell, often told me to "take what I needed" from her edits and insights—advice that has served me well. Even after revising a piece to its final version, I always say, "Give it two weeks. Almost forget its existence. Then come back to it, and give it a fresh read."
When a piece before me has achieved all of this—emotional truth, clarity, purpose—I feel suspended in the experience of it, breathing in its veracity and humanity. What more could I ask for as a judge? I hope our contest attracts voices that have been hushed: people of color, those with disabilities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ community, immigrants and refugees, the unhoused, and the incarcerated, among others. And I hope that all contestants, as Mina says, "don't self-edit." I encourage them to write what they want, whether it's bold, tender, difficult, or humorous.
Above all, I ask each writer to take good care of each reader. Gratuitously disturbing material is discouraged. Judges of writing contests read thousands of submissions, so an onslaught of trauma can be overwhelming. Scientifically, we cling more tightly to negative experiences—negativity bias—but joy deserves our attention too, as does the mundane and the bizarre.
In the end, I seek writing that feels alive not only while I read, but long afterward. Stories crafted with precision and intention will always rise to the top. To all the contestants, thank you for trusting me with your work. Thank you for your bravery. Trust your voice and write toward what feels true.
See the guidelines for the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Fiction & Essay Contest.
Categories: Advice for Writers, Essays on Writing
