Ripley’s Jon Ross Myers Named Winner in William Faulkner Literary Competition
RIPLEY, Miss. — September 26, 2025 — Jon Ross Myers, a resident of Ripley, has been announced as a winner in the annual William Faulkner Literary Competition, marking the first time a writer from Tippah County has earned the honor in the competition’s history. Myers’ recognition places him among a distinguished list of writers and artists from across the globe who have been celebrated in the New Albany–based contest.
A Lifelong Connection to Faulkner and Literature
For Myers, the award carries a deeply personal significance. A graduate of Falkner High School—located in a town named after William Faulkner’s great-grandfather—Myers developed an early passion for the Nobel laureate’s unconventional writing style. “I am so honored to win,” Myers said, expanding that the recognition feels like a culmination of a lifelong dream. “Faulkner was the writer who made me believe stories could be told in ways that broke rules but still spoke truth. To be honored in a competition bearing his name is something I never imagined.”
Myers went on to attend the University of Mississippi, where he wrote for The Daily Mississippian, his first foray into published writing. Since then, he has built a career in both journalism and creative writing. His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and literary journals across the South. In 2013, he founded the Mississippi News Group and Mississippi Sports Group, which have grown into some of the state’s most influential independent media outlets.
About the William Faulkner Literary Competition
The William Faulkner Literary Competition, held annually in New Albany, Mississippi, celebrates the legacy of the city’s most famous native son. Writers from around the world submit works across multiple categories, and winners are recognized for excellence in storytelling and creativity. Notably, past winners have included John Lang, the lyricist behind Mr. Mister’s chart-topping hits Broken Wings and Kyrie.
Winning the award, Myers said, is not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for Tippah County. “It means so much to me to represent my hometown and to show that great stories can come from anywhere—even the same North Mississippi fields and small towns that inspired Faulkner himself.”
