by Erica Baumgardner '16

Continuing Knox College's strong track record in creative writing, Evelyn Coffin ‘17 has been named first-place winner of the 2015 Nick Adams short story contest with her story, "Proudly, Unburied."

Coffin's piece was initially selected from a pool of 38 entries. Her story was then chosen from a finalist selection of six stories by guest writer Maureen McCoy, a published author and professor of creative writing at Cornell University.

Since the contest was established in 1973, Knox students have performed highly, taking home more first-prize awards and finalist awards over the years than any of the 14 competing schools from the Associated Colleges of the Midwest.

Coffin says a key reason for the school's continued success with the contest -- and her own -- is the dynamic environment Knox's creative writing program fosters. 

"I'm in this environment of thought and creativity that I am able to tap into, and every critique that I receive -- from both fellow students and professors -- strengthens my writing," Coffin explained.

Coffin, who has recently decided to declare her major in creative writing, has begun to take her craft more seriously since taking courses at Knox. "I have always liked to write, but I had never been a 'writer' until I got to Knox," she said.

Coffin will continue her writing this winter in Dublin, Ireland, as a part of the Dublin Writers program, which teaches students about the craft of writing and Irish culture.

"My hope is that I will always continue to experience, and learn, and write it all down along the way," she said.