Sunday, September 19, 2010

** And The Winner Is....**

We've all heard how hard it is to judge a writing contest, or to select the best of the best for an anthology, and believe me...that is so true.

I received twelve submissions for my writing contest, based on a photo prompt. All the stories were so unique and had their own individual voice. I barely glanced at them when I received each e-mail, because I didn't want to begin judging while the person's identity was fresh in my mind.

Tonight after I printed each story, I cut out any name or e-mail address, and gave them to The Ronald to read. After he made some decisions, I read all of them and made some of my own decisions. A little discussion began and then I was the one who ultimately made the final decision. (By the way, The Ronald was really pleased to be part of this and took it very seriously!) Thanks to all twelve who took the time to write a story and submit it. I really appreciate it and I thought it was lots of fun, hopefully for you, too.

THE WINNER IS: BOOKIE - CLAUDIA!  Coming in at exactly 100 words.  Below is her story:

Addy swung her worn boot into the truck, brown leather faded white from work. She drove down the bumpy lane’s fresh wash outs, bouncing with a bronc rider’s grace. As she passed the Winston place, she saw an autumn scarecrow waving. None of that fall frippery for their place, only work.

When she pulled into the farm store, she saw a painter’s palette of robust hues. The uninhibited colors took her breath away. Pumpkins nestled among mums like perfect harvest moons, something she hadn’t witnessed in years.
Driving away, her cargo included orange and yellow mounds.

What would John think?

I chose this one because the story took me along with it. I was right there with Addy, as if I was riding along in the passenger side of the truck....and smiling silently as she headed home with her somewhat forbidden cargo! Great job, Claudia! Please e-mail me and let me know which book you'd like to add to your prizes.

"I try to leave out the parts that people skip." ~ Elmore Leonard

19 comments:

  1. That was indeed very well written and descriptive. Great choice Becky. Congratulations Claudia.

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  2. Yoohoo! What fun this is!Like I wrote you, I couldn't sleep when I found the news. I must be like the Princess and the Pea...I could feel you choosing my entry and for liking Addy...weren't you glad when she bought the mums and pumpkins?

    Now maybe I will sleep tonight...
    Thanks so much, Becky...and The Ronald too.

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  3. What a great writing contest you had Becky! You picked a great writer. Congratulations Bookie!

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  4. This was a wonderful piece! Congratulations to Claudia, really well done. You know I love all the descriptive phrases, and to capture all this in 100 words was amazing. Kat

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  5. Beautifully and gracefully written piece, and what a perfect Elmore Leonard quote!!! Congrats, Claudia!

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  6. Congratulations, Claudia! I felt like I was really in the story. Great job! :)

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  7. Hi Becky,

    Excellent choice! Thanks for having the contest.

    I really like your new background too.

    Kathy

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  8. Congratulations to Claudia. I loved the pictures she painted with her words. Great idea for a contest, Becky.

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  9. ohhh sooo closseeee!! (LOL) - just kidding - congratulations to Claudia and her beautiful way of describing the picture. And thanks again for the contest ;)

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  10. oh, if anyone is interested in reading what my twisted mind came up with from the same picture, don't be shy! feel free to stop by:

    www.castazero.blogspot.com

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  11. Bookie always writes great stories.

    Congrats, my friend!

    =)

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  12. A worthy winner indeed! Beautifully crafted, mysterious and elegant. Well done, Claudia!

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  13. I enjoyed this story very much. Congrats to Bookie - Claudia!

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  14. Lovely descriptive piece, Claudia.
    Fun contest, Becky.
    Donna V.
    http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com

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  15. Claudia---Congratulations! Well crafted images! Wear those socks and enjoy those goodies!

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  16. Congratulations, Claudia! That story did take me along with it. Nice job!

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  17. Congrats to Claudia. Very nice story!

    Pat
    www.critteralley.blogspot.com

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  18. I found you via Olga G on Casta Zero - she found me via Wisdom of Words...and so the path meanders on!
    I love your winning story. I love the idea of writing a hundred words around an image.
    I will be back for more...
    Debbie

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I'm still getting quite a few spam comments that are Anonymous, so I'm trying "User with Google Accounts." If anyone tries to comment that I know, and it won't let you, send me an email, okay? Thanks so much.