Julian Clement Chase Creative Writing in Washington Prize

The Creative Writing and English Program is proud to award the Julian Clement Chase Creative Writing in Washington Prize. Implementing the intentions of the founders, the prize recognizes and honors creative writing that demonstrates appetite, boldness, and recognition of the Washington, DC community in undergraduate original work.

How To Apply

Julian Clement Chase Creative Writing in Washington Prize will be awarded to one undergraduate, annually for their creative writing in prose (fiction or creative nonfiction). The work must include the District of Columbia for thematic purposes or as backdrop to the narrative. Short stories, flash fiction, feature stories, essays, and literary journalism are eligible for application.

Due Date

Submissions for application must be received by March (tbd), 2025. Send submissions electronically to [email protected]. The subject heading of the email should read Julian Clement Chase Creative Writing Award. Judges for the prize are members of the Creative Writing faculty. The winner will be announced in April 2025.

Award Schedule 

The awardee will be asked to present their fiction or creative nonfiction at the Prize Event, in the form of a public reading from an excerpt of the work in Fall 2025.

Potential Ideas for Creative Writing in Washington Prize 

Washington, DC is central to the narrative. Engagement with the city is
critical.

• Fiction writers might use a specific neighborhood as backdrop or create a
  main character living in Washington, DC, including details about the city and
  its spirit.
• Creative Nonfiction writers might write a profile of a Washington-based
  individual or highlight the city’s cultural influences and complexities.