Oxford University graduate, published author and former English teacher Colin Brezicki brought his expertise to judge the Legion’s first annual literary contest for seniors.

During the awards luncheon on Sunday, Brezicki told The Lake Report his time as a teacher exposed him to many different kinds of creative writing, but that it’s still “always an adventure,” when judging someone’s work. 

“Along with the objectivity, it’s also very subjective. Somebody else could read the same pieces and come up with a totally different takeaway,” he said.

NOTLers over the age of 55 could submit their work under the poetry, short story or essay category for a shot at a prize bag from the Legion presented shortly after the awards luncheon. 

Majorie Clark took home the award in the short story category for her work titled “Joe,” Graham McMillan took home the prize for his essay “Five by Five” and Valerie King won poetry with her piece titled “Time.”

Although judging one’s creative work is not an easy task, Brezicki said, he believes the three chosen winners would be standouts to all who read the pieces.

He uses one tool in particular to distinguish good work: “I always like writing that doesn’t sound like writing, and that includes my own. If it sounds like writing I’ve got to change it.”

At the end of the ceremony, writers could purchase one of Brezicki’s novels, “A Case for Dr. Palindrome” and “All That Remains,” with the chance to have it signed by the author himself.