A huge round of applause for the grand winner of the Rebel Hearts Writing Contest 2024 who is

JAMES DOUGLAS MORRISON, ARCHETYPE - GAVIN BOURKE

Gavin Bourke grew up in the suburb of Tallaght in West Dublin. Married to Annemarie living in County Meath, he holds a B.A. in Humanities from Dublin City University, an M.A. Degree in Modern Drama Studies and a Higher Diploma in Information Studies from University College Dublin. His work broadly covers nature, time, memory, addiction, mental health, human relationships, the inner and outer life, creating meaning and purpose, politics, contemporary and historical social issues, injustice, the human situation, power and its abuse, absurdism, existentialisms, human psychology, cognition, emotion and behaviour, truth and deception, the sociological imagination, illness, socio-economics, disability, inclusivity, human life, selfishness and its consequences as well as urban and rural life, personal autonomy, ethics, commerce, science, grand schemes and the technological life in English and to a lesser extent in the Irish Language.

Wowie! Beat the drums for our first runner-up:

THE MAN WITH THE YELLOW HAT- BRIAN BELEFANT

Brian Belefant used to be good looking, but now he has a dog, and not just any dog, but a friendly, goofball dog who loves everybody except Santa Claus. His short stories (Brian’s, not the dog’s) appear in Backchannels, Blue Mountain Review, American Writers Review, Magpie Messenger, Story Unlikely, JAKE, The South Shore Review, and Half and One. His second novel, ‘Egregious’, was named a finalist for the Unleash Press 2024 WIP Prize. His novella 'The Sultan of Garbage' was released by Atmosphere Press in August, 2024. He’s currently at work on his third novel.

That's marvellous. A standing ovation for our second runner-up:

OPTIMAL PIETY- DOUGLAS COLSTON

Douglas Colston hails from Australia, has played in Ska bands, married his love, fathered
two great children and among other things (before being diagnosed with a disabling
neurological condition), pursued a PhD he hoped would provide a positive contribution to
the zeitgeist. Having been a former Pushcart nominee, in addition to other Wingless Dreamer
anthologies, his nonfiction, fiction and poetry has appeared in various anthologies and
magazines, including: POETiCA REViEW; Impspired; and Revue {R}évolution.

Cue the confetti for our top finalists:

THE MANUSCRIPT - YATHARTH RAJPUT

Yatharth Rajput (he/him) is an author, poet and memoirist. On most days, he finds bliss in avant-garde arts, oatmeal, and music. He has published in new words {press}, Poetry Festival, Moonstones Arts Centre, and other magazines.

TRUE LOVE'S RISK - TANIA PRZYWARA

Tania Przywara is an American poet with works published in the anthologies Breath of Love and The Book of Black by Wingless Dreamer Publisher, among others, as well as in Volumes 2 and 3 of Through Loving Words by City Limits Publishing. A classical pianist, composer, and photographer as well, Przywara often finds that her passions intertwine with each other. Above all, Przywara aims to express the beauty of life and love through her original works and inspire others to live ever more deeply and authentically. Learn more at taniaprzywara.com.

WǑ XĪWÀNG - SHEL ZHOU

Shel Zhou is a writer, poet, and high school senior who explores themes of identity and relationships. Her work has been featured in literary magazines like Harmony Literary Magazine and Buttermochi Journal, and they serve as an editor for the Young Global Scientists Research Journal. Shel also hosts a mental health podcast, @the.hummingbird.campaign on instagram. In their free time, she enjoys watercolor painting, tea, and advocacy.

REBEL WITH A BEAT - CALVIN SHAW

Calvin loves listening to music, laughing with family and watching sports. Calvin and his works can be found on Instagram @1995calshaw.

LOVE IS MY CAUSE - IKE WICHT

Ike Wicht is a college student and an aspiring writer.

MANUMIT LOVE - R. MAURICE ROWE

R. Maurice Rowe is a passionate poet and writer with a deep interest in Buddhism, libertarianism and paradoxes. His dedication to crafting meaningful and impactful writing is unwavering. When not writing, Mr. Rowe enjoys kayaking, bowling and exploring paradoxical mysteries like quantum mechanics, American politics and Epicurus' "The Problem of Evil.

TO “MY BOY” WITH AUTISM - AJ CHILSON

A.J. Chilson is an award-winning author of over 40 books; some of the books are poetry collections, but most of them are children's work. He currently lives and works in Winnsboro, Texas, where he hopes to inspire others.

Additionally, blow the trumpets for those who got selected to get published in our anthology, Rebel Hearts. Never ever give up on your dreams.