SWW Storyteller

2009 Quarterly Contest Winners

CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the First 2009 SWW Quarterly Writing Competition

A Memorable Event

1st Prize: Kathy Kuenzer, Albuquerque, N.M., for "The Perfect Storm"

2nd Prize: Jacqueline HaydenHanford, Calif., for "From the Seat of a Second Grader"

3rd Prize: Charles J. Garcia, Erie, Colo., for "Right Here on this Stage"

Honorable Mentions (alphabetical):
Cathy Crenshaw Doheny, Charlotte, N.C., for "Improvised Motherhood"
Gary Logsted, Albuquerque, N.M., for "The Big Comedown"
Martha Miller, San Antonio, Texas, for "September 11, 2001, Rome Italy"
John Orman, Albuquerque, N.M., for "Sputnik Conquers the World"
Barbara Ragsdale, Germantown, Tenn., for "The Stain"
Justin H. Riley, Redding, Calif., for "Finding the Face of God in Palestine"


CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Second 2009 SWW Quarterly Writing Competition

The Best Hook

1st Prize: Karen S. Elliott, Albuquerque, N.M., for "After the July Fourth Picnic"

2nd Prize: Luise Putcamp, Jr., Salt Lake City, Utah, for "Confessions of a Card-Carrying Cadaver"

3rd Prize: Ira Rimson, Albuquerque, N.M., for "The Head"

Honorable Mentions (alphabetical):
Carole C. Deily, Plano, Texas, for "Victims"
Rita Marie Herther, Albuquerque, N.M.,for "Walk with a Ghost"
Kate Jordan, Denver, Colo., for "Bloom"
S.L. Allen & D.A. Snyder, Albuquerque, N.M., for "Scavenger Hunt"
A.C. Williams, Haven, Kansas, for "Anyone can Make a Body"
A.C. Williams,, Haven, Kansas, for "My Oka was Screaming"

The judges say:
Out of the many entries submitted, the nine above clearly understood what a hook is--and their accompanying writing was well done and interesting.

As an exercise, pick up several books and read aloud the opening sentences. Not all books have good hooks, but you'll immediately recognize those that do.


CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Third 2009 SWW Quarterly Writing Competition

Anything Goes Poetry

1st Prize: Elaine G. Schwartz, Albuquerque, N.M. for "Bunuelos"

2nd Prize: Elizabeth Rose, Galisteo, N.M. for "discovery"

3rd Prize: Karen McKinnon, Sandia Park, N.M. for "Afterward"

Honorable Mentions (alphabetical):
Sylvia Ramos Cruz, Albuquerque, N.M. for "Read Me"
Ardith Johnson, Albuquerque, N.M. for "Sanctuary"
Karen McKinnon, Sandia Park, N.M. for "Leaving"
Karen McKinnon, Sandia Park, N.M. for "Threading"
John Orman, Albuquerque, N.M. for "Rescue Party"
Bev Zavitz, Dallas, Texas for "That Night"


CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of the Fourth 2009 SWW Quarterly Writing Competition

My Most Memorable Character

1st Prize: Ruth Friesen, Albuquerque, NM for "Arnie's Hats"

2nd Prize: A.C. Williams, Haven, KS for "June Landreth"

3rd Prize: Elizabeth Rose, Galisteo, NM for "Butterfly Messenger"

Honorable Mentions (alphabetical):

Alan Carlson, Albuquerque, NM for "Bob Waldmire"
Lola R. Eagle, Albuquerque, NM for "A Good Teacher Never Dies"
Yvonne Hood, Vancouver, WA for "My Most Unforgettable Character"
Sey Kamm, Los Lunas, NM for "My Most Memorable Character"
Kane S. Latranz, Albuquerque, NM for "Tea with Me"
Charles R. Powell, Albuquerque, NM for "Charlie Brown, the Original"