As Loomis Chaffee welcomes its eighth annual Katherine Brush Library Flash Fiction Contest, students immerse themselves in the world around them, honing their observational and storytelling skills.
Reflecting on Katherine Brush’s vision of “[engaging] their imaginations and sense of wonder while observing people in those places],” English faculty member and Writing Initiatives co-director Dr. Zachary Grobe said, “Brush believed that this type of wondering would help writers create their own stories.”
The theme of this writing contest varies annually; this year, it involves “taking inspiration from public places” and invites students to begin their stories in a public place, start their writing process in a public setting, or directly engage with the theme of place.
“[We hope this theme] encourages young writers to turn their attention to people and surroundings in public places,” Ms. Karen Parsons, Loomis archivist and a faculty member in the History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies Department, said. She is also a Writing Initiatives director, along with Dr. Grobe and English faculty Dr. John Morrell.
The selection of each year’s theme is a thoughtful process. It begins with a review of the school archives containing Katherine Brush’s materials, including her notebooks, published works, drafts, and correspondences. Dr. Morrell, Ms. Parsons, and Dr. Grobe work to assemble content that serve as both inspiration for the prompt and a way for students to engage with Brush’s literary legacy.
This year’s theme also resonates within the Loomis Chaffee community, which has recently turned its attention to fostering in-person interactions. Ms. Parsons, Dr. Morrell, and Dr. Grobe believe the topic is conducive to engaging students with their real-world environments and encouraging them to appreciate the beauty of present moments through writing.
The all-school theme for the 2024-2025 academic year, “The Power of Storytelling,” likewise aligns with the goals of the Katherine Brush Flash Fiction Contest, encouraging students to immerse themselves in the people, places, and moments around them.
Katherine Brush championed the idea of experiencing the world as it is. Writing, she believed, serves as a foundation for capturing the beauty of everyday life—whether in a park, on a bustling street, or in a quiet café.
Loomis Chaffee is home to a vibrant community of talented writers, and this competition promises to showcase their remarkable work. The contest not only honors Brush’s literary legacy but also highlights the school’s thriving creative culture. At the same time, it continues to honor the literary legacy of Katherine Brush, for whom our revered library is named.
The Katherine Brush Library Flash Fiction Contest stands as a testament to the power of creativity and observation. Each year, it allows young writers to share their unique perspectives, nurturing a passion for literary talent while also deepening students’ connections with their surroundings and community. The contest, which culminates in remarkable stories that emerge from a common theme, celebrates the art of writing and the moments that inspire it.