Lewes author receives writing fellowship

Lewes author Kim Hoey Stevenson was recognized by the Delaware Division of the Arts as an Emerging Fellow in literature, earning a $5,000 award to help further her work in fiction.

Hoey Stevenson said she had submitted work to DDA twice before, gaining feedback and recommendations from judges on each piece. The third time, her short story, “The Bob and Wyvetta Love Story,” proved a winner.

“I’m just so excited that someone who doesn’t know me has said, ‘Yes, I think you’re a writer, and of all the people who applied, we think you should work harder on this,’” Hoey Stevenson said.

Hoey Stevenson’s tale follows the somewhat awkward, definitely quirky and subtly charming pair, Bob and Wyvetta, as they find their way toward becoming a couple.

Her previous submissions were more serious and dealt with topics including alcoholism and child trafficking. The latest piece was pure fun.

Hoey Stevenson said she developed the story idea as a result of a writing prompt in The Writer magazine, which challenges subscribers to write a short story every day each February in response to a writing suggestion.

In all, 17 Delaware artists were recognized by DDA, which received samples from 118 musicians, writers, and folk, media and visual artists. Out-of-state arts professionals reviewed submissions, and considered creativity and skill in judging each artist’s respective art form. 

Two fellowships were awarded in the Masters category, each receiving $12,000; seven were awarded in the Established category, each receiving $8,000; and eight were awarded in the Emerging category, each receiving $5,000. 

While she’s still unsure how she will spend her award, Hoey Stevenson said she may purchase updated equipment, attend a conference or hire an editor to review her work.

Fellows are required to offer at least one exhibit or performance during the year, providing an opportunity for the public to experience their work. Hoey Stevenson said she is determining where to do a reading.

This year, Hoey Stevenson said, she plans to dedicate more time for writing, to enter stories into contests and work hard to get published.

“I’d still like to write a novel,’’ she said.

She said she’s always loved writing, although she fought against it tooth and nail, and wanted to study medicine while in high school.

“When I was 5 years old, I was writing short stories. My mom still has the first story I wrote, which was called ‘A Pocketful of Gold.’ It was pretty bad,” she laughed.

In addition to writing fiction, Hoey Stevenson is also a journalist, feature writer and co-author of the book, “Overcoming Misfortune: Children Who Beat the Odds.” 

Visit the Delaware Division of the Arts at arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.