It’s tricky to translate the word Geist. Its range of meaning includes “spirit,” “wit,” and even “ghost.” Inspired by this etymology, participants of the 2023 PolterGeist Writing Contest submitted fact and fiction under 500 words that captured the eerie, the paranormal, the uncanny and the sublime.

The winning entries are listed below, and will be published in Geist 127.

1st prize:

"Holes" by Jennifer Robinson

2nd prize:

“Paul's Tomb of Madness, Hopeness, Oneness, Repurposed Kosher Dill Jars, Good Luck Money Trees, Avoiding Osteoporosis, and Good Housekeeping—Which is to Say, Everything” by Tyler Finley

‍3rd prize:

“Squeeze Me” by Hsien Chong Tan

Shortlist:

“The Box of Lost Souls” by Edith Speers

“Less Than Shadow” by Rory Say

“Unnatural High” by Shelley White

“Check Engine” by Kelsey Gilchrist

“Are you there? I'm on a Date” by andrea winkler

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Many thanks to everyone who submitted an entry!

Read the top three winners in print in Geist 127, out in fall 2024.

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