Tragedy and comedy characterized the two grand prize winners of this year’s Tournament of Writers in Schoolcraft, a local writing contest for all ages with a valid library card. Marilyn Jones of Schoolcraft received top honors for “Neatness Counts,” a recounting of a tragedy. Christine Webb of Kalamazoo received top honors for the comedic “The First (and Last) Day I Worked at McDonald’s.” The Director’s Award went to Christine Webb, a teacher who, in addition to being an award-winning author herself, mentors her students for this contest.
Awards were presented May 20 at the Schoolcraft Community Library. All entries will be published in Small Town Anthology V, to be released later this month. The book will be dedicated to Betty Braymer, a Vicksburg author who passed away earlier this year. The official book signing and launch for the book will be at R & R Weddings and Events on September 17 from 6 to 8 pm., along with author interviews and photo opportunities. Tournament authors are invited to bring in their other works. This event is free and open to the public. Light snacks and beverages will be available.
This is a family-friendly event with no alcohol served. It is sponsored by Jack Scobey Action Fund and Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center. For more information about this event and next year’s Tournament, go to hop2.us/tow, contact Deb Christiansen at 269-679-5795 or email her at amethystisland@gmail.com.
Prize Winners: First Prize Junior Fiction, Maya Grossman, Number 710; First Prize Junior Poem, Allie Spencer, Sweet Willow; First Prize Teen Fiction, Kadrian Barnett, The Crowning; First Prize Teen Poem, Rachel Hostetler, YOU CAN.
First Prize Adult Fiction, Joshua Johnson, Master Bill; First Prize Adult Poem, Christine Webb, Teacher Life; First Prize Graphic Novel, Thomas Mills, Parallax; First Prize Senior Fiction, Rann Murray, The Saddest Gift; First Prize Senior Non Fiction, Kathleen Oswalt-Forsythe, A Hometown Surprise; First Prize Senior Non Fiction, Krista Ragotzy, Pomander Balls; First Prize Senior Poem, Carol Braymer, Twins; First Prize Senior Poem, Mark Stucky, Gilded Crosses?
First Prize Super Senior Fiction, Barbara Vortman, Pancake Pandemonium; The Library; First Prize Super Senior Non Fiction, Allen Parfitt, Olympia Brown Universalist Minister; First Prize Super Senior Poem, Marilyn Jones, Behind The Mask; Grand Prize, Marilyn Jones, Neatness Counts; Grand Prize, Christine Webb, The First (and Last) Day I Worked at McDonald’s; Director’s Award, Christine Webb.