2022 Hal Prize Winners

After digging through 686 submissions of poetry, nonfiction, fiction and photography, a team of screeners and four esteemed judges have announced the winners of the 2022 Hal Prize. 

These winners will be celebrated with the publication of the second volume of 8142 Review, now available for purchase at doorcountypulse.com/shop.

Dan Powers of Door County earned first place in the fiction category for his story “Two, Three … Which Is Me?” Fiction judge Joshua Phillip Johnson said of Powers’ submission, “At once moving and challenging, this story uses a thoughtful blend of formal play and remembered narrative to explore complex and complicated issues.”

First place in the nonfiction category went to Brandon Lewis of New York City for his story “By This Shore.” Nonfiction judge Angela Palm Hopkins said, “Curiosity, observation and a stunning sense of place converge beautifully in this essay.”

Brandon Lewis

Annette Langlois Grunseth of Green Bay earned first place in poetry for her poem “Cicadas Can Reach 100 Decibels.” Adrian Matejka, poetry judge, said, “This elegant meditation on nature, mortality and family has stayed with me since the first time I read it.”

The overall winner in the photography category was August Battaglia for his photo “Hidden Birch.” Photography judge Lars Topelmann said, “It is my pick for Best of Show because it was the image that I kept thinking about and enjoyed looking at again and again.”

Read all of the selected stories and poems, and view the top photos in this year’s 8142 Review. In addition to online orders, the 8142 Review is also available at the Peninsula Pulse office at 8142 Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor.