The Peter K. Hixson Memorial Scholarship for Creative Writers

For Media: Press Release

NOTE: This scholarship is not just for traditional students. All writers are welcome to apply. Winners will receive Writer's Relief services free of charge. See below for details.

This scholarship is now closed for submissions.

Peter K. Hixson (1947-2007) was a much beloved client of Writer’s Relief. Peter’s creative roots were evident as far back as the third grade, when an encounter with an encouraging teacher fueled his interest in poetry. It developed in earnest in high school as a cathartic means for dealing with the death of his high school soul mate on Christmas day. 

Peter’s love of art and learning led him to become a real "Renaissance Man." He earned a PhD in speech-language pathology from Purdue University and spent his professional career developing programs, teaching, doing research, mentoring others, and serving as President of the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, a large community nonprofit agency in upstate New York. For thirty years Peter also pursued his avocation as a dancer and choreographer. Later in life he enjoyed success as a woodworker, a volunteer fireman, a community volunteer, and a formidable tennis player. Apart from his many academic publications, Peter’s creative writing appeared in Concho River Review, Lynx Eye, The MacGuffin, North Atlantic Review, RE:AL, The Texas Review, and Whiskey Island Magazine.

When we heard the news of Peter’s passing, we all grieved. Peter’s dedication to writing was a true inspiration: In his writing, he was never afraid to tackle important issues, but he also had a lyrical and playful outlook.

Not only was Peter a talented writer, he was a caring and generous individual. His success in using our services inspired him to create a scholarship fund so that up-and-coming writers might have the opportunity to advance their careers with the help of Writer’s Relief.

Peter’s bequest of this scholarship was an act of exceptional kindness and generosity. In spite of our sadness over his death, he continues to inspire us. Peter’s twin brother, Doug, notes, "I think his idea for a writing scholarship grew from his understanding of how difficult it is to get published without losing hope."

And in the words of Peter’s wife Lois, "Peter often counted on the encouragement and support of the Writer’s Relief staff when he hit periods of discouragement that his writing would ever be of interest to anyone. Had a scholarship like this been available to him, I believe he would have jumped at the opportunity, and once involved, would have found a way to stay connected because he so valued the help and encouragement he received."

With funding from Peter’s estate, we at Writer’s Relief are deeply honored to offer the First Annual Peter K. Hixson Memorial Scholarship for Creative Writers.

Read some of Peter K. Hixson’s work.

Peter K. Hixson (1947-2007)

How The Scholarship Will Be Awarded

Three writers will each receive two rounds of A La Carte PLUS submissions valued at approximately $450 per scholarship (cannot be redeemed for cash value).

Our A La Carte PLUS service includes cover or query letter creation and targeting to 25+ literary agents or journals. If you are not familiar with our A La Carte PLUS Service, click here. Winners will receive two rounds of A La Carte PLUS submissions, with the creation of ONE cover or query letter to be applied to both rounds of submissions. We hope to make Peter proud in our commitment to his artistic ideals and dreams.

Three awards will be made, one in each of the genres that Peter submitted with Writer’s Relief:

• Novel and Memoir 
• Short Prose (Short Story or Creative Personal Essay)
• Poetry

No other genres are applicable. 

Winners will be selected by the Writer’s Relief Review Board based on 1) strength of writing sample, 2) strength of personal statement, 3) financial or other need.

NOTIFICATION: Winners will be notified by phone; other applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail. No firm deadlines have been set for notifications because this is the first time this award has been offered, and Writer's Relief cannot estimate the turnout or the time it will take to determine winners.

Winners’ first and last names will be publicly announced online on the Writer’s Relief homepage, blog, and other Web sites. Writer’s Relief will NOT be publishing the winning texts in any way (in print or online). Winners retain all copyrights to their work. Winners are not required to continue to be Writer's Relief clients after their awards have been received.

Who Is Eligible To Apply

All writers are welcome, but early- to mid-career writers are especially encouraged to apply. To honor Peter’s too-brief career in creative writing, preference will be given to writers who have not necessarily been widely published, but who demonstrate exceptional technique, voice, and perspective.

You do not need to be a student to apply, as this is not a scholarship to a school. It is a scholarship to benefit from Writer's Relief services. 

Writers are welcome to apply to both this scholarship (for A La Carte PLUS Services) and to our Review Board (for admission to our Full Service client list).

Current Writer’s Relief clients are not eligible.

No preference will be given to applicants who identify themselves as friends or family of Peter K. Hixson. Employees of Writer's Relief (past and present) may not apply.

Writers from all nations and backgrounds are welcome! Submissions must be in English (for targeting to American literary agents and editors). 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applicants warrant that all writing is their original creation.

How To Apply - Submission Guidelines

To apply to The Peter K. Hixson Memorial Scholarship, please use our online form to send us a sample of your writing (directions on the form) and a personal statement of no more than two pages.

Applicants who are not already receiving our free, informative Newsflash for Writers will be automatically subscribed. The Newsflash offers free publishing leads, guidelines, calls for submissions, and articles about submission techniques and etiquette. You are welcome to unsubscribe at any time; however, if you unsubscribe, anti-spammer precautions installed by our email client will prohibit us from contacting you to notify you about your scholarship status.

We are anticipating a large turnout for this scholarship competition. For that reason, candidates will NOT be personally notified if their applications fail to meet requirements; in other words, applications that don’t meet guidelines will be disqualified without notification or opportunity for resubmission.

This scholarship is now closed for submissions.