First Place
Lydia Hart
Allison Young

Second Place
Katelyn Marie Whitley
Alison

Third Place
Lydia Hart (also placed 1st)
Alison

Honorable Mention
P.R. Golden
Katelyn Marie Whitley (also placed second)
Abigail Hartman
Laurie J. Curtis
Richard B.

By Lydia Hart, 1st and 3rd

Regina Delaware was the type of dame who could get the entire room to stop and stare – drop-dead gorgeous, intelligent, witty, oh, and let’s not forget the fact that her brother’s a millionaire. Yep, I sure know how to pick ’em – that was what got me into this mess in the first place. Dames. Every single one I fell for had knack for almost getting me killed… and Reggie was no different. I mean, just look at me now! Here I am, tied to a chair, listening to two ugly goons arguing over the best way to knock me off…

The judges say: Fabulous voice! From the first “dame” you convey your setting and character perfectly. It’s intriguing, leaving me with questions, but tells me just enough to make me instantly invested. Talk about wanting more! Two thumbs way, way up. / In what plays out like a great scene in Downton Abbey, I’m intrigued by this dame, not to mention the narration by the soon-to-be deceased. Such a great job of spinning an inventive yarn.

By Allison Young, 1st

Brana was the kind of girl who liked to take things into her own hands. That was why she climbed down the wall of Castle Daewitch with a knife between her teeth.
     Unfortunately, taking things into one’s own hands has consequences, as Brana discovered once her feet touched dirt. She knew there would be a guard; she didn’t know it would be her husband.
     “What a pleasant surprise,” came his voice from the shadows.
     She took the knife from her mouth. “Let me pass, Garwyl!”
     “Why?” One light, dangerous word.
     Brana inhaled, her hand on the new roundness tightening her dress. “This is no place for a child.”

The judge says: I was immediately gripped by the opening imagery. The writer sets the stage so vividly, and I’m absolutely hooked by the scenario that’s unfolding here.

By Katelyn Marie Whitson, 2nd and Honorable Mention

Melinda Marshall was the type of girl who never ran from a problem. But there were times in life where exceptions had to be made.
    She ran through the woods, hearing the heavy breathing behind her. The trees and darkness hid her fairly well, but she couldn’t lose the man chasing after her for her life. And that may be what it cost.
    Her foot became a hostage to what must be a rabbit burrow, and she struggled to free it as the man came up behind her. His ugly face scrunched up into a grin, and his knife flashed in the moonlight. Melinda had nowhere to turn.

The judges say: Very strong! You toss us right into action but also give us a solid idea of who Melinda is./

I don’t even know Melinda, but I’m afraid for her. Way to raise the stakes right from the get-go.

Congratulations to all the winners!



I do keep track of all the winners, and there are prizes at the end of the year, so it’s worth it to keep entering. If you’re ever curious about where you are in the standings, you can see that list here.


Make sure you’re back here tomorrow for Jill Williamson’s second post on writing action/fight scenes. If you missed the first one, you can find it here.