Anne Marie Duquette
Sally and Tom Reeder, Keeping Family Traditional Alive
We spoke with Sally and Tom Reeder, Sponsors of the Harrison Stephens Inspirational Feature Award.…
How to submit?
This section of the blog will include information about upcoming contest categories and deadlines. Special Category Sponsors interested in promoting their award topic can also submit content. Send submissions using the email icon below. Please include contact information with the submission.
DWAA Contest Chair
Contact for Contest News CategoryAnne Marie Duquette
Merrie Meyers, Finding New Possibilities for Older Pups
We spoke with Merrie Meyers, sponsor of the “Second Chance Award” in the 2025 DWAA Writers Contest. This award goes to the best article, book, blog, TV segment, radio spot, video, column, or other creative…
Contest News | March 26, 2026
Anne Marie Duquette
Dawn Secord, Author Illustrator
We spoke with Dawn Secord, winner of the 2025 DWAA Writers Contest in the “Single Photo or Illustration” Category.…
Contest News | March 9, 2026
Anne Marie Duquette
Charles Weidig, Life Long Educator
We spoke with Charlie Weidig, winner of the Spoken Word – Any Other Topic category for his video, “Cavalier Easter Egg Hunt 2025.”…
Contest News | March 2, 2026
Anne Marie Duquette
Amy Shojai, Translating Nonfictional Knowledge into Fictional Fun
We spoke with Amy Shojai, winner of the Books – Fiction (Adult) or Humor category for her book, “Play or Pay: A Dog Lover’s Crime Thriller Suspense,” book #8 in the series.…
Contest News | February 26, 2026
Anne Marie Duquette
Kim Campbell Thornton, Plans, Trains and Automobiles, and a Dog
We spoke with Kim Campbell Thornton, winner of the Written Word-Any Other Topic for her article, “Traveling with Your Dog Internationally—What You Should Know,” which appeared in Whole Dog Journal.…
Contest News | February 23, 2026
Anne Marie Duquette
Anne Marie Duquette, the second time is just as good as the first
W spoke to Anne Marie Duquette, WGA, DWAA, Winner of the Second Chance category for her short story, “Oscar’s Story.”…
Contest News | February 19, 2026
Anne Marie Duquette
Ellen Finnie, Lessons from a Life with Dogs
We spoke with Ellen Finnie, winner of the Book-Memoir Category for her book, “The Ten Perfections, Spiritual Lessons from a Life with Dogs.”…
Contest News | February 16, 2026
Anne Marie Duquette
Sandy Kubillus, Dog Caregiver
I didn’t start writing this book until almost a decade after my dog Kaylee died from osteosarcoma. But all the while, I kept thinking, “I should write a book about my experiences with her.” At…
Contest News | March 20, 2025
Anne Marie Duquette
Russ Swigart, Teacher and Lifelong Showman
We spoke with Russ Swigart, winner of DWAA Special Category “National Dog Show Presented by Purina Excellence in Writing/Producing Award” with the entry, “The Legendary Boomhauer.”…
Contest News | March 18, 2025
Anne Marie Duquette
Lynn P. Goswick, Shepherds o’plenty!
I have always been creative, and my Mom encouraged and guided my ability at a very early age. I dedicated my Award to her. She was my greatest teacher and inspiration to pursue art/writing/photography, as…
Contest News | March 13, 2025
Anne Marie Duquette
Anne Marie Duquette, Ghost Dog Whisperer
My grandparents came to visit our family in Hawaii where my Air Force father was stationed. While with us, Grandma asked me to write up a daily journal of their vacation for all their friends…