The Daydreamer Prize II

The Daydreamer Prize in literary arts is a prize that is funded collectively by individual donations and proceeds from magazine sales. For Issue 2, we raised $324 for prizes of $54 each in literature and art. The prize is named in honor of people everywhere who have the courage to daydream.

Current research has confirmed that daydreaming freely about pleasant thoughts or memories in life can help to “reshape emotions and make us happier” leading to an “increased wellbeing” (Escalante 2021).  

Among benefits mentioned by mental health professionals are a decrease in anxiety, an improvement in problem-solving skills, and an increase in potential to actualize creative and goal-oriented achievements (Field 2021).

Daydreaming also plays a vital role in storytelling. Through the imagination and the arts, we can provide insight to emotional healing and understanding, all while upholding the survival, development, and prosperity of languages and cultures.

The Daydreamer Prize II winners are:

Ethan Riddle for the cover artwork, “Happy Place Wi-fi,”

Pauline Grady for the nonfiction story, “The Sunflower Field,” and artwork,

Sam Thompson for the poem, “Well,”

Anissa Martell for the poem, “Mirror, Mirror,” and artwork,

Todd Masluk for the poem, “Transpersonal,” and

Kate Howells for the short fiction story, “The Mute Button.”

Acknowledgements:

The Wagner Family

Michelle Naranjo

Melissa DiMaiella

Ethan Riddle

Pauline Grady

Thank you to all those who sponsor Lehigh Valley Literary Magazine!