Grand Valley State University student Max Bufkin was recognized as one of three finalists in Write Michigan’s Short Story Contest, which ended on Saturday, March 22. Bufkin’s submission, “Yellow Eyes in a New World,” was selected by judges to be published in an anthropology by Chapbook Press.

The Write Michigan contest is held by the Kent District Library in partnership with Grand Rapids’ Schuler Books. The competition aims to nurture and promote local literary talent among all age groups. Bufkin was one of the youngest participants in the contest’s adult category. 

“I’ve been entering the Write Michigan contest for years,” Bufkin said. “On a whim, I decided to submit my piece (this year, and) received the fantastic news that my story had been accepted for publication.”

“Yellow Eyes in a New World” is a fictional story that centers around two characters: a humanoid machine that awakens from a 200-year nap and the girl who suddenly awakens the apparatus. Together, the pair explores the world, working with nature to decolonize the globe. 

“(My) story’s themes center on community, decolonization, autonomy and climate change awareness,” Bufkin said. 

Bufkin expressed that advancing to the final round gave them a huge confidence boost, as they were able to be recognized for their dedication and progress as a writer. 

“It’s utterly fantastic,” Bufkin said. “I’ve worked relentlessly to establish myself as a writer, and so far, this is my most significant achievement toward that goal. Being a writer means getting a lot of rejection. But, I believed my words were powerful and that they would resonate with someone, someday, and now they have.”

Bufkin said their friends and family have been a major source of encouragement and support along their writing journey. Specifically, Bufkin said their father, Theodore Bufkin, also an aspiring writer, has helped them grow their writing skills through praise and encouragement. 

“Max popped out of the oven nearly (a) fully-baked writer, blazing with skill that even those with such natural ability take years to cultivate,” Theodore Bufkin said. “Max wears their heart on their sleeve because they aren’t ashamed of it, and because it’s (communicating openly) the fastest way into yours.”

Theodore Bufkin added that, aside from innate talent, it is the self-discipline, sacrifice and tedious revision Bufkin practices that makes them such a great writer. 

Max Bufkin compared their writing process to that of blacksmithing, which involves refinement, fluidity and adaptability. 

“Usually, my process with writing is to get everything out all at once, and then edit and refine it over and over,” Bufkin said. “I have to just slap all my ideas onto the anvil and hammer it again and again until it takes the right shape.” 

Bufkin is also intent on telling stories that not only resonate with themselves but also leave a mark on those who come into contact with their work.

“The most challenging part of writing is being able to create your work without worrying about what others may think of it,” Bufkin said. “My ultimate aspiration is to make people feel seen, loved and hopeful through my writing, and I believe this story is a solid start for my career in that direction.”