First place winner, Writer's Digest
Brian Wedlake
"About The Author"
"About The Author"
Brian was born on July 21st, seventy five years to the day, after Ernest Hemingway. Like his literary idol, he grew up on and under and always at the edge of water.
His first publication came when he was twelve years old, and then again at age nineteen. "The first poem was what you'd expect of a kid," he says, "but the next one... there wa
Brian was born on July 21st, seventy five years to the day, after Ernest Hemingway. Like his literary idol, he grew up on and under and always at the edge of water.
His first publication came when he was twelve years old, and then again at age nineteen. "The first poem was what you'd expect of a kid," he says, "but the next one... there was something in there that I wanted to say."
"My Father Swings Again" won second place in The North American Open Poetry Contest and received an Editor's Choice Award.
After college (and a few years wandering the world as a model), Brian caught the acting bug and headed west to Hollywood.
He found quick work in TV and film, most notably representing popular brands in commercials (a sample of which can be viewed below). When asked what roles he's most proud of, he says, "if you don't blink, and you know where to look, you can see me on that show Friends. It was hardly even a role really, but I was there on that set, ya know, and I got to feel what it felt like standing on top of that show's mountain."
Currently, he and his wife live on a 21 acre farm in Florida where they free range a pair of donkeys, a flock of chickens, and two of the wildest boys in the universe.
"Hemingway Shorts"
"About The Author"
The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park (EHFOP) publishes an annual literary journal highlighting a small collection of short stories from new and engaged writers in the best tradition of Ernest Hemingway.
Brian's short story, "When The Sun Sets" was selected as a finalist and consequently published in "Hemingway Shorts: Volume Six".
"Writer's Digest"
Writer’s Digest’s is the oldest and most popular writing competition. It has been shining a spotlight on up-and-coming writers in all genres through its Annual Writing Competition for over 90 years.
"One Mourning In Moore Haven," was awarded First Place in the Inspirational/Spiritual category of the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition.
"Catamaran Literary Journal"
West Coast themes. Writers and artists from everywhere. Catamaran publishes a quarterly literary journal featuring interviews, translations, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and art.
Brian's essay, "Swimming In Circles", will be published in a special fashion issue in the Spring of 2026 .
The piece, best described as "creative nonfiction", wil
West Coast themes. Writers and artists from everywhere. Catamaran publishes a quarterly literary journal featuring interviews, translations, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and art.
Brian's essay, "Swimming In Circles", will be published in a special fashion issue in the Spring of 2026 .
The piece, best described as "creative nonfiction", will also be included in a larger collection of stories he's writing which tells the story of those early years he spent in front of the camera.
"The North American Review," Fall 2023
At The North American Review we publish all forms of creativity. We like stories that start quickly and have a strong narrative. We appreciate when an essay moves beyond the personal to tell us something new about the world.
The Terry Tempest Williams Creative Nonfiction Prize is intended to recognize the finest essay writing.
Brian's ess
At The North American Review we publish all forms of creativity. We like stories that start quickly and have a strong narrative. We appreciate when an essay moves beyond the personal to tell us something new about the world.
The Terry Tempest Williams Creative Nonfiction Prize is intended to recognize the finest essay writing.
Brian's essay, "Swimming In Circles" was recognized as a semifinalist.
"The Master's Review"
Founded by Kim Winternheimer in 2011, The Masters Review is an online and in print publication celebrating new and emerging writers. We are on the lookout for the best new talent with hopes of publishing stories from writers who will continue to produce great work.
EMERY'S RULE, Brian's novel in progress, was long listed (top 1% of submissions) as part of the 2022 Novel Excerpt Contest.
"Typewriter Talks"
Typewriter Talks features interviews with writers, poets, and other bookish folks. It is hosted by Maureen McDole, Founder and Executive Director of Keep St. Pete Lit, which is a literary arts organization based in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Brian was interviewed by Maureen McDole, the founder and executive director of Keep St. Pete Lit. The
Typewriter Talks features interviews with writers, poets, and other bookish folks. It is hosted by Maureen McDole, Founder and Executive Director of Keep St. Pete Lit, which is a literary arts organization based in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Brian was interviewed by Maureen McDole, the founder and executive director of Keep St. Pete Lit. The interview also includes a reading of "When The Sun Sets," the story he had published in Hemingway Shorts.
"The Artisan Magazine"
The Artisan Magazine is a monthly print publication that explores, reflects, celebrates and promotes creativity, the creative process, and the final “presentations” of those that help make the evolving culture of Pinellas and adjacent counties what it is and what it will be.
Follow the link below and go to the "literature" section (page 1
The Artisan Magazine is a monthly print publication that explores, reflects, celebrates and promotes creativity, the creative process, and the final “presentations” of those that help make the evolving culture of Pinellas and adjacent counties what it is and what it will be.
Follow the link below and go to the "literature" section (page 18) of the October/2023 issue. There, you can read an excerpt of Brian's novel in progress, EMERY'S RULE.
"The Read Herring Writing Series"
Tampa's premier lit-ertainment party where emerging voices meet professional writers of poetry and prose.
EMERY'S RULE
EMERY’S RULE can best be described as a coming of age story wrapped inside of a treasure hunt. Think ONCE UPON A RIVER meets "Outer Banks".
When twelve year old Emery runs away from home, a stowaway on his grandfather's sailboat, he discovers a whole new water world where pirates still exist.
A portion of the novel was recently long liste
EMERY’S RULE can best be described as a coming of age story wrapped inside of a treasure hunt. Think ONCE UPON A RIVER meets "Outer Banks".
When twelve year old Emery runs away from home, a stowaway on his grandfather's sailboat, he discovers a whole new water world where pirates still exist.
A portion of the novel was recently long listed (top 1% of submissions) in the Masters Review Novel Excerpt Contest.