Hey Writing Friends,

Lydia and I are so happy to anounce that all Winnners of the 2019 Fall Writing Frenzy are matched up with their Prize Donors!

But wait, before we start, we need to do some thank yous!

I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to the prize donors who made this such a sought-after contest.

And an extra big shout out to Lydia Lukidis for all her amazing help and Jolene Ballard Gutiérrez for being the best cheerleader who commented on every single entry and encouraged everyone! 

And of course, a great big thank you to all of you Amazing Writers who put yourself out there! This contest would be nothing without you.

The Fall Writing Frenzy was all about creativity, and WOW you all brought it! The pieces ranged from spooky to silly to sweet to dark to lyrical to funny to surprising. I am in awe of all of you, and so happy to connect with such wonderful writer friends.

We are all winners in this contest (myself included) because the main prizes were connecting with talented writers and having a new story—or stories—to develop that you might otherwise not thought of.

There were over THREE TIMES the number of entrants than prizes, AND we even had some donors who were so impressed that they added on prizes specifically to award the talent of even more writers. 

You would think with so many prizes, it’d be easy to find winners, but every single one of you wrote AMAZING pieces! This made it super difficult to choose, but it also made me so happy!

We started with 51 prizes, and we ended with 62! (Note: They are announced here in no particular order, and all winners will be contacted using the contact info from the form you filled out. If you’re on this list and do not get contacted soon, please DM me, Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez, or Lydia Lukidis or use the contact form here on my website.)

Ok now, LET’S GET READY TO RUUUUUMMMMMBBBBBLLLLEEEE!

Prizes

Prize: Picture book manuscript critique by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Winner: Melissa Miles

Kaitlyn says, “Melissa hit on raw emotion for me in this piece, making me cry before I was done reading, not just sadness but real tears streaming down my face. I felt the pain, the anguish, the loneliness, the love. Thank you for this beautiful story, Melissa.” If you haven’t read Melissa’s piece, check it out here.

Prize: Picture book manuscript critique by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Winner: Catherine Flynn

Kaitlyn says, “Catherine Flynn blew my mind! Not once but TWICE! First, by telling me about the coolest new phenomenon that’s the most gorgeous blend of writing and math (my two favorite things) and then by creating a brilliant poem of this type with a great story arc AND phenomenal word choices. Thank you for introducing me to “The Fib” and for blowing my mind with your poem, too!” If you haven’t read Catherine’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Picture book manuscript critique by Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez

Winner: Laurie Carmody

Kaitlyn says, “Laurie intrigued me with her piece. The beginning was so different and filled with amazing imagery, I had to keep reading to figure out what was happening. And then, I felt so much satisfaction when Laurie subtly revealed using imagery of a nightgown that her main character might be sleeping. The powerful ending made my jaw drop, and I immediately wanted to read it again!” If you haven’t read Laurie’s piece, head over to the submission page.

Prize: Picture Book manuscript critique from co-host, Lydia Lukidis

Winner: Carolyn Fraiser

Lydia says, “Carolyn had me at her title, ‘Moon Rising.’ Then as I read her text, I was sold. I love poetry and lyrical language, which Carolyn uses eloquently. The imagery and feelings she evoked through her words are palpable. If you love poetry, go read her entry. I really appreciate this one and am happy to work with her!”

Prize: Picture Book manuscript critique, developmental editing with Sam K. Cabbage

Winner: Valerie Bolling

Sam says, “The way Valerie works with the rhythm and imagery and nature is just ‘ahhh.'” If you haven’t read Valerie’s piece, head over to the submission page and check it out.

Prize: Query Letter Critique from Lynne Marie

Winner: Jocelyn Watkinson

Jocelyn’s piece was a very creative take on Canadian history, but that’s not all! Fun rhymes and imagery brought the fictional tale to life, too! If you haven’t read this fun tale, head over the submissions page and check it out.

Prize: Query Letter Critique from Lynne Marie

Winner: Sheila Alford (AKA Thesheilster)

Sheila’s piece captured the attention of many judges because of its great twist ending that leaves the reader wondering What’s really happening here? Some parts hint at one explanation, where other parts hint in different directions. Sheila showed a great ability to keep the reader guessing! If you haven’t read this intriguing story, head over the submissions page and check it out.

Prize: Pitch Critique from Lynne Marie

Winner: Darci Neilson

Darci’s piece had great humor and realistic dialogue. The premise of a sibling turning their sister into a pumpkin is hilarious, and what a sweet ending! If you haven’t read Darci’s story, head over the submissions page and check it out.

Prize: Pitch Critique from Lynne Marie

Winner: Maggie Brown

Maggie’s piece has a great concept: who doesn’t love the idea of “shadow fairies” up to some mischief! Maggie was able to raise the tension through her words, and left readers at the edge of their seats. If you haven’t read Maggie’s piece, head over the submissions page and check it out.

Prize: Pitch Critique from Lynne Marie

Winner: Maryna Doughty

Maryna’s piece was full of great humor woven in throughout. The superstitions mentioned were a great Halloween bonus, and the ending was a fun surprise! If you haven’t read Maryna’s piece head over the submissions page and check it out.

Prize: Rhyming Picture Book Manuscript Critique by Gayle C. Krause

Winner: Glenda Robeson

Gayle says, “Glenda’s poem has a smooth cadance and original imagery that brings powerful feelings about, too.” If you haven’t read Glenda’s poem yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Non-rhyming PB manuscript critique, or 1st chapter of CB, MG, or YA critique from Candice Marley Conner

Winner: Cathy Hall

Candice says, “I picked Cathy Hall’s YA flash fiction piece ‘Worms Crawl In’ first off for voice. The mood was set immediately with the creepy song an ear worm playing in Annabelle’s head, the clever wordplay with ear worms, the sneaky, gleeful vengeance…so much to love in such few words!” If you haven’t read Cathy’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: A copy of Corey Rosen Schwartz’s newest Picture Book Two Tough Trucks (US only)

Winner: Kathy Halsey

Kathy’s piece was filled with strong imagery and great word choices. The ending was also strong, leaving the reader wanting more. And an added bonus was the beautiful cultural reference to el Día de los Muertos. if you haven’t read Kathy’s piece, check it out here.

Prize: Non-rhyming Fiction Picture Book Manuscript critique from Rosie J. Pova

Winner: Susan Summers

Susan’s piece is incredibly powerful and so creative comparing Frankenstein’s monster to modern medicine is such a brilliant move. If you haven’t read Susan’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Picture book manuscript critique with Jolene Gutiérrez

Winner: Sara Fajardo 

Jolene says, “I chose Sara’s piece because she took me through a lifetime of memories with so few words. She moved me to tears and put me in the shoes of a grieving mother–reminding me that we don’t always know the pain that others carry. Her gorgeous writing and lovely word choices added to the emotion of her story.” If you haven’t read Sara’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Picture book manuscript critique with Jolene Gutiérrez

Winner: Anne Lipton 

Jolene says, “There was so much to love in Anne’s story–the magic mirror, narcissistic witch, and self-assured cat, the fun puns and sounds, and the great twist at the ending. I can imagine this as a picture book with readers wanting to re-read and look for clues about the cat, and I appreciated that Anne took the time to leave thoughtful comments on the majority (maybe all) of the entries!” If you haven’t read Anne’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Pitch critique with Jolene Gutiérrez

Winner: Abbi Lee

Jolene says, “Abbi set the scene so vividly that I (someone who struggles with visualizing things sometimes) felt like I was there. And as our main character steps through the threshold, I SO wanted to know why she’s willing to put herself at risk like this and what she’ll find when she steps inside.” If you haven’t read Abbi’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: A signed copy of Della Ross Ferreri’s newest board book Huggle Wuggle, Bedtime Snuggle 

Winner: Jenny Buchet

With fun ending and great word choices, Della says, “Jenny’s piece is lively and playful!” If you haven’t read Jenny’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: PB manuscript critique from Vivian Kirkfield

Winner: Gayle C. Krause

Vivian says, “I really enjoyed Gayle’s entry…it put me right in the pages of an Edgar Allen Poe thriller. I used to LOVE those, even though I had to hold my sister’s hand as we walked down the hall to the bedroom we shared. The rhythm and rhyme were fantastic…and I loved the surprise twist at the end! Full of humor and heart…and a whole lot of haunted.” If you haven’t read Gayle’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Non-rhyming picture book manuscript critique from Stacey Corrigan

Winner: Audra Brown 

Stacey says, “Audra’s entry is perfect. I love her use of imagery. She captures the essence of fall in just a few words. I am looking forward to seeing what else she has written.” If you haven’t read Audra’s poem, check it out on the submission page. 

Prize: First chapter critique for CB, MG, or YA from Amanda Rawson Hill

Winner: Kristin Wauson

Kristin’s piece was on many finalist lists, and we’re so excited to pair her up with Amanda, who said, “I really liked the atmosphere of the piece and the vivid descriptions as well as the surprise ending!” If you haven’t read Kristin’s piece yet (or seen her beautiful illustrations), check it out here.

Prize: Picture Book dummy and/or manuscript critique by Helen Huiting Wu

Winner: Katherine Klotz

Helen says, “I chose Katherine’s piece because of the great characterization and the fact that it built up with fun twist ending!” If you haven’t read Katherine’s poem, check it out on the submission page. 

Prize: Picture Book dummy and/or manuscript critique by Helen Huiting Wu

Winner: Michele Ziemke

Helen says, “I chose Michele’s piece because the full of actions and emotions in the playful and lyrical language, and because of the beautiful scene and fun activities.” If you haven’t read Michele’s poem, check it out on the submission page. 

Prize: A signed copy of Stay Through the Storm by Joanna Rowland

Winner: Jaclyn Crawford

Joanna says, “I love a story that can bring out a laugh in me before my morning coffee.  I adore this sweet nod to Chicken Little while talking about seasons in a child-like way that makes the mother in me laugh.” If you haven’t read Jacylyn’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Winner’s choice of Nonfiction PB critique or Queen Of Physics swag (blank notebook or tea towel) from Teresa Robeson

Winner: Jolene Gutiérrez

About Jolene’s piece, Teresa says, “Growing up, I loved freaky tales (I still do). Jolene’s perfect story reminded me of Rod Serling’s work with a dash of Shirley Jackson’s. How could I not be captivated?” If you haven’t read Jolene’s piece, check it out here.

Prize: Picture book manuscript critique from Amanda Jackson

Winner: Stacey Miller

Amanda says, “I chose Stacey because her story was so creative and charming. I loved the idea that William (and lots of other cats) had secret night adventures with jolly, brew-sipping witches. Her words created such a colorful, inviting scene, I’m looking forward to reading more of her work!” If you haven’t checked out Stacey’s piece, head over to the sumbmissions page.

Prize: A signed copy of Cindy Lurie’s Picture Book A Special Magic 

Winner: Theresa Kiser

What a moving piece about the cycle of nature! Theresa tackled the subject of change and transformation in such a sweet way, and the little leaf characters are just adorable. If you haven’t checked out Theresa’s piece, head over to the sumbmissions page.

Prize: Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Korrie Leer 

Winner: Rhys Keller

Rhys’ rhyme and meter were bang on in this piece, which isn’t an easy thing to accomplish! The lines were short and snappy, and moved the story along in a lovely way. If you haven’t read Rhys’ piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Picture book query or manuscript Critique by Amber Hendricks

Winner: Kelly Mangan 

Amber says, “I chose Kelly’s piece because it was so touching.” If you haven’t read it yet, check it out here.

Prize: One free Personalized Storybook from Shutterfly 

Winner: Donna Taylor

Donna’s eerie tale begins with ominous foreshadowing, hits on a bit of comedy followed by lovely imagery, and has a shocking yet satisfying ending. If you haven’t checked out Donna’s great story, check it out here.

Prize: 1st Chapter Critique plus synopsis of a contemporary MG or YA by Sarah Aronson

Winner: Elizabeth Steiner

Sarah says, “What I really loved about this piece was the way the writer dove right into dialogue that made me curious about these characters. Alos, if you write, “sisters,” I am going to be interested. I love stories about family and friends. If you haven’t read Elizabeth’s entry yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Picture Book Manuscript critique from Emily Matheis

Winner: Lindsay Schubert

About Lindsay’s piece, Emily says, “This powerful, literary poem written with beautiful prose had me captivated! The language was lyrical, and each word was chosen with such care. The verbs were all in active voice with each subject performing such poignant movements. It’s one thing to be a masterful editor of our own work, but it was distinctly clear to me that Lindsay has a genuine writing talent. I read this piece so many times!” If you haven’t read Lindsay’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Picture Book Manuscript critique from Emily Matheis

Winner: Lauri Meyers

About Lauri’s piece, Emily says, “My heart! This one struck my soul. We often think about how difficult it is to lose a fur-child, but so rarely think about what it’s like for a fur-baby to lose its human. The piece was poignant, written in active voice, and put me in the heart and head space of the witch’s cat. His gifts to bring her were clever, cat-appropriate, and genuine. Lauri has such a unique gift of thinking about all of our fellow creatures and their expressions. Love is love, and this piece it in spades.” If you haven’t read Lauri’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Winner’s Choice of PB Manuscript or first chapter CB/MG critique or signed copy of ROCK AND ROLL WOODS from Sherry Howard

Winner: Linda Hofke

Sherry says, “Linda’s voice in this writing is so strong and the writing is deceptively creative. She used first person POV to pull the reader into the unusual world of her MC in an enticing way. For such a short piece, Linda’s words accomplish a lot with character and tone! So well done, Linda!” If you haven’t read Linda’s entry yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Critique for a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Picture Book manuscript or Spanish only Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Mariana Llanos

Winner: Aixa Perez-Prado

Aixa’s poem has so many amazing components! It’s filled with lovely visuals and juxtaposition as well as great rhyme and rhythm, but did Aixa stop there? No way! She even added in Spanish, WITH the rhyme. Very few are talented enough to make that happen. If you haven’t read Aixa’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: A Copy of Grimelda and the Spooktacular Pet Show from Diana Murray

Winner: David McMullin

About David’s piece, Diana says, “Perfect meter, full of action, and I love the fun addition of a refrain!” If you haven’t read David’s story, check it out here.

Prize: A Signed Paperback of Sarah Ashwood Blackwell’s fairytale fantasy Knight’s Rebirth

Winner: Patty Cooper

Sarah says, “What immediately struck me about this story was the skillful way the author used colors to paint brilliant and effective imagery.  Those descriptions alone drew me into the tale, hooking me until the end. I felt the story was even more interesting due to the contrast of beautiful colors and creepy subject matter.  Well done!” If you haven’t read Patty’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: A signed copy of Ciara O’Neal’s Picture Book, Flamingo Hugs 

Winner: Sarah Tobias

Ciara says, “For Sarah, I instantly fell in love with Aidan’s out of the box thinking and care for the environment! Acorn Man is my hero!” If you haven’t ready Sarah’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Picture Book Manuscript Critique with Ciara O’Neal

Winner: Kiley Orchard

Ciara says, “For Kiley, I loved this out of the box take on decorating pumpkins! Pumpkin power! Or should I say pickle power? Nicely done, Kiley!” If you haven’t read Kiley’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: A Signed Copy of Barbara Lowell’s picture book, Sparky & Spike: Charles Schulz and the Wildest, Smartest Dog Ever

Winner: Susan Drew

About Susan’s piece, Barbara says, “This is a fun story with lots of wonderful potential.” If you haven’t read Susan’s sweet story about the sacrifices we make for love, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: First Chapter Critique from Rajani LaRocca 

Winner: Laura Heath

Wow! Laura’s piece did such a great job of embodying YA, right down to the protagonist’s “cherry cola flavoured lips.” The narrative, with her boyfriend Blade transforming into a werewolf was great and the unexpected twist that related so well to the beginning was just fantastic!

Prize: MG Query or First Chapter Critique from Rajani LaRocca 

Winner: Carmen White

Carmen’s piece was filled with strong imagery and intrigusing notions of “inviting the silence in” and “giving darkness a place to stay.” These words give the reader so much to think about! If you haven’t read Carme’s intriguing piece, check it out here.

Prize: Picture Book Text or Dummy Critique from Megan and Jorge Lacera

Winner: Laura Kelmelis 

Megan and Jorge say, “Laura’s piece was chosen because of the tension her words created. We loved her phrase: ‘I sit here stuck between the pages of the scrapbook that holds the memory of who I used to be.’ Great imagery!” If you haven’t read Lauar’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Critique of a first chapter and synopsis of MG or YA novel from Samantha M. Clark

Winner: Lisa Voisin

Samantha says, “Writing is a partnership between the author and reader both filling in parts of the story, and Lisa did a great job of giving just enough details and intrigue to draw us in and leaving space for our imagination.” If you haven’t read Lisa’s intense piece, check it out here.

Prize: Picture book manuscript critique from Danielle Dufayet

Winner: Monica Acker

Monica’s poem is brilliant in its simplicity. It’s not easy to create an emotional connection with so few words, but Monica manages to make us feel for these little leaves! If you haven’t read Monica’s entry, check it out here.

Prize: A copy of Danielle Dufayet’s Fantastic You 

Winner: Audrey Day-Williams

Audrey’s poem has great rhythm and flow. She also creates eerie imagery and mounts the tension remarkably well. A spook-tacular Halloween poem! If you haven’t read Audrey’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: First 10 pages critique of Middle Grade or Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Donna Barba Higuera

Winner: Jyoti Gopal 

Donna says, “Jyoti is a beautiful weaver of words. With one simple word often taken for granted, ‘Yellow’ I was taken on a sensory adventure of scent, and touch, and emotion.” If you haven’t read Jyoti’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: First 10 pages critique of Middle Grade or Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Donna Barba Higuera

Winner: Natasha Khan

Donna says, “In a haunting and hopeful story of the forest green, forest red and their respective dwellers. Natasha’s story has the feel of ancient folklore yet a timely tale of the darkness and harm of fear even in something so beautiful.” If you haven’t read Natash’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: First 10 pages critique of Middle Grade or Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Donna Barba Higuera

Winner: Stacy Burch

Donna says, “Stacy’s piece has a brilliant narrator voice! Unfamiliar and strange imagery. A moon that’s not a moon. A cat that lives in the moon is not a cat. Magical images drawing in the reader, making them yearn to understand the secrets and know what this narrator knows.” If you haven’t read Stacy’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: First 10 pages critique of Middle Grade or Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Donna Barba Higuera

Winner: Teresa Traver

Donna says, “Crows can have urban legends too. Simply clever writing! The scariest part of the crows’ urban legend on how the scarecrow got its new head…is what remains unsaid. This writer gets creating tension!” If you haven’t checked out Teresa’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Query Critique by Laura Roettiger

Winner: Samantha Cleaver

Laura says, “There’s a lot to admire in LEROY THE LEAF, by Samantha Cleaver including great imagery and beautiful language. But if I had to choose one thing that made the story stand out, it would be the way she created tension. This is my favorite part:

‘A gust of wind caught him.

He was airborne!

Parachuting, swirling, falling down, down, down.'” If you haven’t read Samantha’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: Fiction PB manuscript critique from Meera Sriram

Winner: Candice Conner

Meera says, “The poem cleverly centers and weaves in the key elements in the visual inpsiration while drawing us into a beautiful emotional connect.” If you haven’t read Candice’s poem yet, check it out here.

Prize: First chapter + 1 page synopsis critique of a MG manuscript from Jarrett Lerner

Winner: Emma Finlayson-Palmer

Jarrett says, “In just 198 words, Emma got my pulse racing and my imagination spinning. That’s seriously impressive!” If you haven’t read Emma’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: PB or Query Critique from Nadia Salomon 

Winner: Leah Strecher

Nadia says, “I chose Leah’s piece for a critique because I LOVED the writing. I felt I was right there with the MC, panicking, and wondering what was happening until I got to the end! What a ‘twilight zone’ moment. I loved that element of surprise!” If you haven’t read Leah’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: PB or Query Critique from Nadia Salomon 

Winner: Melanie Singer

Nadia says, “I chose Melanie’s piece for a critique because I enjoyed her writing and the story. It had lots of emotion, tension, pain, guilt, remorse, and a level of sibling rivalry anyone with a sibling understands or can identify with. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I couldn’t keep myself from reading.” If you haven’t read Melanie’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: A copy of Ilona Bray’s MOSSBY’S MAGIC CARPET HANDBOOK from Nadia Salomon

Winner: Sparklestudio (AKA Elizabeth Grant) 

Nadia says, “I chose this piece because I loved that we were hearing the inner dialogue of what we think is inanimate. But, what if everything we use, work with – is alive? It is something I often think about and tell my munchkin to ‘respect’ all things living or inanimate. One never knows?” If you haven’t read Sparklestudio’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Editing services up to 10K for any level from Elizabeth Grant – Sparkle Studio

Winner: Sarah Fiechtner

Sarah’s builds great tension through so few words. She manages to hook the reader early on and keep them wanting more, until the end when the reader is left satisfied and empowered. If you haven’t read Sarah’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: PB Critique rhyming, non-rhyming, or NF from Shannon Stocker

Winner: Susie Swayer

Shannon says, “Susie’s beautiful iambic meter creates the perfect visual for this eager feline. Her rhymes are also solid and unique, making for a fun read-aloud. Congrats on the win, Susie!” If you haven’t read Susie’s piece, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: A signed Copy of The Green Umbrella from Jackie Azúa Kramer

Winner: Sarah Meade

In this piece, Sarah manages to capture the moodiness so typical of children learning to find themselves and their way through life. So wonderful too, that the main character was able to turn the frown of the pumpkin upside down at the end! If you haven’t read Sarah’s piece yet, check it out here.

Prize: A Signed Copy of any one of Susanna Hill’s books

Winner: Crystal Lamb

Crystal’s piece has such a lyrical nature, and her word choice, ie “a symphony of color” are magical. Crystal manages to capture the magic of seasons changing in very few words! If you haven’t read Crystal’s piece, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Anitra Rowe Schulte

Winner: Devin Leatherman

Anitra says, “I’m pleased to provide a query critique for Devin, whose entry was lyrical and lovely.” If you haven’t read Devin’s piece yet, check it out on the submission page.

Prize: Non-rhyming Picture Book Manuscript Critique from Joana Pastro

Winner: Jennifer Raudenbush

About Jennifer’s piece, Joana says, “I enjoyed the eerie tone and love a good twist!” if you haven’t read Jennifer’s piece, check it out here.

Now for some wonderful HONORABLE MENTIONS:

For Epic Twists:

Dave Goodall

Brenda Harris

Leigh Therriault

For Fantastic Characterization:

Jillian Holmes

Jessica Potts

Genevieve Puttay

Samantha Gassman

Cathy Murphy

Ashley Congdon
Roberta Gibson

For Short but Powerful:

Bevin Rolfs Spencer

Ruth M Solitario

For Intensity:

Kristina Castillo

Carolyn Ward

Dina Towbin

Becky Shillington

For Rhyme and/or Rhythm:

Lu Pierro

Colleen Murphy

Sue Lancaster

Susan Butler

For Creativity:

Jennifer Matarese

Denise Shirazi

Rebecca Gardyn Levington

Barbara Clark

Rachel Funez

Erik Williamson

For Mental Health Awareness Focus:

Ranessa Doucet

For STEM Tie-in:

Gretchen Pitluk

Kate Fox

For Mental Health Awareness:

Ranessa Doucet

For those of you who received prizes, Lydia and I would love for you to follow up with us on how everything went with your prize.

For those of you who didn’t win a prize this time, I hope you go back to the comments made on your piece and remember YOU wrote that, take in the beautiful comments people left and remember THAT is your prize. Please remember, writing is subjective. If you weren’t chosen this time, it doesn’t mean your writing was bad, in fact everyone’s was so good I wished I had more prizes to give. Celebrate your friends who won and keep writing, learn from each other too because we’re all continually growing and improving.

Please share in the comments your favorite things about this contest and some things you learned by participating. 

My favorite things were feeling so much love and support from the writing community and making fantastic new writing friends. 

By writing my sample stories, I learned that I want to write a book of short stories someday, and by having Lydia offer to help me, I realized how much I needed help putting this contest on (shout out to Lydia Lukidis and Jolene Gutiérrez for being my rocks in this contest, love you both so much!) Writing-wise, I realized I’d like to include more assonance in my writing like many if you did so beautifully, and I’d like to continue focusing on creating surprise endings because those were some of my favorite endings when reading entries!

The thing that brings me the most joy is the knowledge that 155 of you found the courage and creativity to write and share something new, and after those 155 entries were posted, many people read, reflected, and connected with the stories and with their authors. A community has been formed, and countless people have been, and will be, affected by these amazing stories and the connections we’ve all made. There’s no real way for me to count all of the positive things that will come from this contest—the possibilities are endless, and that’s the best math of all!

Final note: I’m hosting a SCBWI Critique and Chat in November, check it out if you’re in the area: https://canorthcentral.scbwi.org/events/critique-chat-turlock-nov-2019/ 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for participating and making the first Fall Writing Frenzy truly special, and please, don’t be a stranger!

Sincerely,
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez