Inception, the contest for best opening, has been judged. Submissions received for this year’s program were a true joy to review, and made for some tough decisions when shaping the finalist list.

Finalists

The Devil in the Details / TJ Morley / Fiction

Deus in Machina / Karen Davis / Novel

Kentucky Blood (Book I) / Ashley Sheikh / Novel

Woodcutter / Danielle Stonehirsch / Fiction

BUZZKILL / Leila Springer / Fiction

A Dream of Tibet / Bill Schulz / Painting

Runners-up

Two Winters Long / Nathaniel Eddy / Novel / Best of Novels

Genesis / Rex Wilder / Best of Art

Grinders and Cream / Robert Hickson / Fiction / Best of Short Stories

Winner

Nightwalk / Bill Schultz / Painting

The winner received $500 and will be published in the next digital edition as well as the annual print edition. The runners-up and finalists will also be offered publication. Congratulations to everyone called out as a best in category, finalist, semifinalist, and quarterfinalist.

Everyone is welcome to submit to Sunspot. Remember that our calls for longer poetry, fiction, and nonfiction close earlier than the calls for shorter works. Click here to find out what we’re accepting now.

To support great literature and art, consider preordering a print copy of the 2023 edition. Shipping to US locations is included in the price.

The journal’s annual Goldilocks Zone contest, for works that combine excellence with audience appeal, is also open.