First Annual Donna's Book Pub Short Story Contest Winners

Maybe it's because May is such a lovely, lusty month and writers are busy outdoors or have other things on their minds, but I only received two submissions for my short story contest in honor of National Short Story Month.

Having said that, the two entries I received were outstanding. Thanks to Claudia Mundell and Stan Wilson for submitting their wonderful stories to Donna's Book Pub First Annual Short Story Contest in honor of National Short Story Month.

Both stories are very good, and they are also very different, but the compelling writing voice of one story edged out the other.

Drum roll, please . . .

First place winner: "Blood Kin," by Claudia Mundell is a coming-of-age story about Alice Gallagher set decades ago in summertime Kansas. The setting of "Blood Kin" rings true: Momma in the kitchen canning tomatoes and green beans and warning Alice to watch herself around grown men, the family sitting on Grandma's wraparound porch telling stories and swapping gossip, Aunt Mary Kate ignoring what she doesn't want to see, and creepy Uncle Daniel lurking in the background. Claudia's excellent writing voice, use of vivid description, realistic dialogue, suspense, and tension when Alice changes from innocence to understanding combine to make a compelling and memorable story.

Second place winner: "The Bonding of a Man and His Cat" by Stan Wilson is told from the point of view of a cat called "The Cat or Kat," who lives Sheriff Raymond T. Wills aka RW. Stan uses touches of humor in his short story, which is set in Hendawson Falls, Indiana, during Prohibition. A crooked sheriff, a talking cat, a shady lady, race cars, racy card games, illegal moonshine, and a shoot-out with an infamous ganster make an entertaining story.

Well done, Claudia and Stan, and congratulations! Claudia wins a copy of Cuivre River Anthology (Volume I) and a certificate. Stan wins a certificate. I will mail out the winnings by mid-month.