From writer, artist and philanthropist, Gloria Vanderbilt, who sponsors one of the largest literary prizes in Canada, and who supports this unique Canadians-only short fiction publication. I am proud and thrilled that all these wonderful writers are presented in the CVC Anthology. Carter, my son, Anderson Cooper s brother, was just 23 when he died in 1988. He was a promising editor, writer, and, from the time he was a small child, a voracious reader. Carter came from a family of storytellers, and stories were a guide which helped him discover the world. Though I, and those who loved Carter, still hear his voice in our heads and in our hearts, my son s voice was silenced long ago. I hope this prize helps other writers find their voice, and helps them touch others lives with the mystery and magic of the written word. This volume presents the 14 short listed writers: Nicholas Ruddock, Leon Rooke, Hugh Graham, Jane Eaton Hamilton, Bruce Meyer, Priscila Uppal, Veronica Gaylie, Christine Miscione, Lisa Foad, Maggie Dwyer, Josip Novakovich, Bart Campbell, Lisa Pike and Linda Rogers."