Judges Announced for 2026 Snowbound Writers Contest
The Auburn Arts Commission is pleased to announce the judges for the 2026 Snowbound Writers Contest. Celebrating its 33rd year, the competition continues a tradition of honoring creative literary expression in DeKalb County by welcoming two of Northeast Indiana’s most respected voices in journalism and the arts: Corey McMaken and Rebecca Green.
Corey McMaken graduated from University of Evansville in 2004 with a degree in creative writing and history. He has worked for The Journal Gazette in his hometown of Fort Wayne for more than two decades and now covers local arts as Features and Engagement Editor.
Rebecca Green manages the news at WBOI. She joined the staff in December 2017, and brought with her nearly two decades of experience in print journalism, including 15 years as an award-winning reporter for the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne. A South Bend native, she is a graduate of a small liberal arts college in the Hoosier State, and has lived in northeast Indiana since the late 1990s. Rebecca has covered everything from homicides to hurricanes, and the small stories in between that make up the fabric of a community. She is passionate about the importance of local news in guarding a strong democracy, and tries to instill that belief in her students as an occasional adjunct instructor of journalism at Huntington University.
McMaken and Green are tasked with evaluating a diverse pool of poetry and short story submissions from across DeKalb County. They will select first, second, and third-place recipients for each category based on original voice, technical skill, and narrative impact.
"For over three decades, the Snowbound Writers Contest has provided a unique platform for local storytellers," said Chad Gramling, of the Auburn Arts Commission. "We’re thrilled to have judges of Corey and Rebecca’s caliber and reputations judging and offering feedback on this year's entrants.”
Following the judging process, the Auburn Arts Commission will host a recognition reception. Winners will be invited to read their entries and will be presented with their awards. Details regarding the date and location will be announced in the coming weeks.
Corey McMaken of the Journal Gazette and Rebecca Green of WBOI are currently judging this year’s Auburn Arts Commision’s Snowbound’ Writers Contest Entries for Poerty and Short Story submissions.
