Writing has always been a core part of who I am, but this year, I decided to take a bold step in putting my work out there in a way I never have before. I entered two major writing contests: the prestigious Radio-Canada contest, open to all of Québec, and the Carnet 03 Marie Uguay contest, an initiative open to all citizens of Montreal. Each of these contests represents a different facet of my creative expression, yet they both stem from the same driving force—the need to tell compelling stories that resonate.
Beyond the contests themselves, my motivation also comes from my work on The Last City, the graphic novel I am writing. I want to establish myself not only as a visual storyteller but as a writer with a distinct voice. These contests provide an opportunity to push my limits, refine my craft, and gain recognition for my ability to evoke powerful emotions through words.
The Power of Writing About Loss
For the Radio-Canada contest, I wrote a deeply intimate piece about grief, a subject that remains difficult to talk about yet universally experienced. The title itself encapsulates its essence: Le silence est un son que certains ne peuvent pas entendre (Silence is a sound that some cannot hear).
This work explores my personal experience with loss, particularly the death of my father in 2019. It’s raw, unfiltered, and an emotional journey through mourning, denial, and the profound silence that follows when someone we love is no longer here. Grief is often misunderstood; many believe that time heals all wounds, but I argue the opposite. The pain doesn’t fade—it transforms. It lingers like an uninvited guest, appearing at unexpected moments, shaping who we become in ways we never anticipated.
Due to the contest’s confidentiality rules, I can’t share the full text just yet, but what I can say is that it’s one of the most vulnerable and powerful pieces I’ve ever written. The results won’t be announced until September 2025, but regardless of the outcome, the process of writing it has been cathartic and meaningful in ways I can’t fully put into words.
Carnet 03 Marie Uguay: Exploring Fire and Passion
In contrast, the Carnet 03 Marie Uguay contest is an opportunity to present my creativity in a more visual format. This contest is unique in that it combines writing with art, collage, and photography, creating an immersive storytelling experience. My submission explores the theme of fire and passion—elements that symbolize destruction, rebirth, and transformation.
This project is an exploration of intensity, drive, and the consuming nature of passion. Fire represents both creation and devastation, a duality that has always fascinated me. My work in this contest captures this essence through a mix of poetry, artistic expression, and personal reflections. It’s about the flames that push us forward, the sparks that ignite our dreams, and the infernos that sometimes threaten to consume us.
An exhibition featuring all selected Carnets will take place in May 2025, offering a space for attendees to engage with these deeply personal works in a tangible way. I’m excited to see how people connect with my piece and to experience the powerful narratives created by other artists.
Why These Contests Matter to Me
As someone who primarily writes graphic novels, stepping into the realm of literary contests is both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. Writing for a comic book requires a different kind of storytelling—one where visuals and dialogue share equal importance in conveying emotions. However, with these contests, I have had the chance to explore the full power of words on their own.
These submissions are not just about proving that I can write—they’re about pushing myself beyond my comfort zone. They are about proving to myself that my voice matters, that my experiences are worth sharing, and that my ability to evoke emotion through storytelling is something I should continue to nurture and refine. Above all, they are a stepping stone towards being recognized as a writer in my own right, beyond the world of comics.
Looking Ahead
Regardless of the contest outcomes, this year has already been a milestone in my creative journey. Writing about grief has allowed me to confront my own emotions while connecting with others who have experienced loss. Exploring fire and passion through my Carnet has given me a new medium to express intensity and transformation.
I’m looking forward to sharing more about these experiences as the results come in. Until then, my focus remains on continuing to write, create, and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling.
For those of you who have ever considered putting your writing out into the world—whether through contests, publications, or personal projects—I encourage you to do it. It’s terrifying, yes. But it’s also one of the most fulfilling things you can do for yourself as a writer and as a human being with stories worth telling.
Julie Guay, alias Mad Lips 21, est une artiste numérique, créatrice de NFT et consultante Web3 passionnée par le dépassement des limites de la propriété numérique et de la créativité. Son travail mêle art, technologie et narration, offrant des expériences immersives aux collectionneurs et aux passionnés du Web3.
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