Round Up For Writers 2025 Winners

Our third-annual Round Up For Writers Contest was a huge success! We were blown away by the incredible talent showcased by our employees' submissions. We are truly honored to have them on our store teams.

Thanks to your support, we have raised over $150k for the largest nonprofit literary organization, Poets & Writers.

On behalf of Terry Finley, Books-A-Million CEO, and our selection committee led by Margaret Terwey, we are proud to announce the four written winners and this year’s art contest winner. Read excerpts from their winning submissions below!

Not All Who Wander by Kayleigh Lawson — Store 604, Manhattan, Kansas

"It’s kind of our thing, being here and having exactly what the customer needs when they need it.”

Kayleigh was born and raised in Kansas, where she has lived her whole life. She decided she wanted to be a writer at eight years old, when it became apparent that being a Ninja Turtle wasn't in the cards. Kayleigh loves reading science fiction, fantasy and horror novels. Her favorites include The Murderbot Dairies by Martha Wells, absolutely anything by Connie Willis or J.R.R. Tolkien, and the works of Alix E. Harrow, H.G. Parry and Adrienne Young. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s researching for her next story, collecting office supplies, or watching TV with her husband, Andrew, and their cats.

Want to read more? Check out the full version here.

‍‍One Page at a Time by Reid Potts — Store 2120, Dothan, AL

"‘Is it because I bend front covers back when I’m reading?’‘ You animal. ’‘Is it because I break the spine of every book I’m supposed to read?’‘ You monster. ’‘Is it because I used a tortilla to mark my spot once?’‘ Give me your phone. I’m calling the authorities.’”

‍Seemingly unable to escape the vortex that is Alabama, Reid Potts was born, educated, and currently works in the Yellowhammer State. He collects everything; he has time for nothing. If one were to ask him his favorite book, he'd stare off into the distance as though he'd be able to more easily figure out faster-than-light travel. His dream is to be a successfully retired writer so his cat will stop looking at him so disapprovingly.

Want to read more? Check out the full version here.

‍A Spectator by Thomas Padgett — Store 723, Opelika, AL

"He loves the world he experienced. But more than that, he loves the journey. The step between here and there, the moment where the real and the unreal blur just enough to make us forget which side we’re on. The space where we lose ourselves, just long enough to feel found.”

My name is Thomas Padgett. I'm from Houston, Texas, but have lived all over the US and now live in Auburn, Alabama. My favorite author is Kurt Vonnegut. He was my inspiration for becoming an author during my freshman year of high school when I read his short story, "Harrison Bergeron." My favorite book of his would have to be Slaughterhouse-Five. In my free time I enjoy finding Cafés to try and Book Clubs to attend. I consistently write poetry and short stories and my next big goal is to finish my first novel.

Want to read more? Check out the full version here.

‍Sunsets with Stephen by Jessica Collins — Store 233, North Canton, OH

"So yes, writing saved us. Because without it, I would have lost those last years with my soulmate. I would have lost the smiles and the sound of his laughter. I would have lost the many times he remembered who I was. I would have lost the moments spent beside him in that car, marveling at the country sunsets. And because of writing, even though Stephen eventually passed away and left this Earth, we lived a little longer.”

‍Hi, I’m Jess and I am from Canton, Ohio. I’ve been writing since I was seven years old. I enjoy reading poetry, horror, fantasy and classic literature. Some of my favorite authors are Stephen King, Anne Bishop, and Anne Rice. I have been a retail manager for over 15 years and have worked at Books-A-Million for about a year and a half now. I also do some freelance writing and digital marketing on the side. I enjoy hiking, being outdoors, dancing, and spending time with my three cats!‍

Want to read more? Check out the full version here.

‍Art Contest Winner Tiffany Walerych — Store 387, Ft. Myers, FL

‍‍‍Tiffany was born in Detroit and spent her younger years traveling Michigan. She grew into her adult years in Southwest Florida where she learned to perform with fire poi and received her scuba license before she could drive. Some of her favorite things are the ocean, string lights, and green tea. When Tiffany's not creating art, her hobbies include being a nerd with her friends, binging fun tv shows, and talking too much. Her favorite book is anything written by Erin Craig.

Want to see more? Check out the full version here.