The Horseheads community has reason to celebrate once more!  After 30 years of hard work and dedication, alumni Jay Bouchard ‘97 was honored by the American Scribe Society, picking up the illustrious Poe Prize for Literature.    

 

Every December authors throughout the United States vote on the best short fiction published during the year.  The Poe prize stands as the society’s highest honor, focusing on authors who specialize in Horror.  This year over 30 members were nominated, many of whom were past winners.  

 

Bouchard’s novel, “When You Cry Out” was considered a contender thanks to the early praise during its April debut. Within days of its release it was optioned by Orion Pictures for a future theatrical release. “This past year has been a bit of a whirlwind for me.” said Bouchard.  “It was already amazing to see my story picked up by Hollywood, but to win this as well… I am truly humbled.”

 

Some may recognize many of the locations in Bouchard’s novel, as places like the Elmira Drive-in and Dunn Field make cameos. “I try to use as much of my real life experiences as possible to add to the mood of my stories.  If the audience doesn’t feel like my world is real, how can I hope to sell them on the more supernatural elements?”

 

When asked if Bouchard will visit his alma mater in the future, he quickly replied, “Of course! I need more material for my next book and there’s nothing as scary as the old lunchroom hotdogs.”