1st Place
The Barn Door
by Harriet Ford

This is an exceptional story about a young black slave, Jemma, during the Civil War whose "Master" returns home injured. Jemma's reaction is both surprising and ... well, Click on the image to read an excerpt.

About the Author

Harriett Ford is a veteran news reporter, formerly a high school English teacher, and a longtime leader of a home Bible study group. She has authored a book, "Shadow in the Rain," based on an actual murder case in Rockford, ILL, which she investigated as a journalist and became convinced the wrong man was in prison and is in prison still.  On her website, www.deniedevidence.com there is a form letter to petition the governor for a second look at his case. She sincerely hopes her  readers will click on it.

Ford resides in Saddlebrook, Missouri and is member of the Ozark Writers League, Sleuth's Ink and Springfield Writer's League.

2nd Place
The East Sea
by Pamela Lynn Palmer

This is a moving tale of a family torn apart during the second World War and the anguish that surrounds them, partially told through the eyes of a child. Click on the image to read an excerpt.

Pamela Lynn Palmer is author of Horse of the Dawn, a young adult novel about the Nez Perce War of 1877.  She has published three chapbooks of poetry, drama, fiction, and articles on history, folklore, and education.  Her recently published play, Eclipse of the Sun, is based on the premise that Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford was the true author of the works published under the pseudonym of William Shakespeare. The work was awarded “Best Play” in the Spring 2004 WriteMovies.com Contest. 

Pamela is pictured left with her favorite band, Megadeath. She's the one in the middle. Fits right in doesn't she?

While visiting her parents in West Germany in 1979, the family made a weekend trip to Kiel, where Pamela met the man who inspired “The East Sea” during a ferry boat ride.  Sunburned and walking with a cane, he indicated that he came from the East and had been in the water for a long time before being rescued by Americans.  Pamela knew little German and the man spoke no English so they conversed in Spanish!

3rd Place
Breathe
by Mary Ellen Courville

The devastation that hurricane Katrina rained on New Orleans still continues, but "Breathe" shows a glimpse of hope for a new future. Click on the image to read an excerpt.

About the Author

A South Louisiana girl, Mary Ellen revels in people’s differences.  Characters dance through her mind, and she cannot resist the urge to put them onto paper and listen to what they have to say.  A wife, mother and teacher, her fount of inspiration overflows. 

The hurricanes that hit her South Louisiana neighbors, however, blew in and refocused the path of her writing.  The story surrounding her, of heartache and hope, begged to be told.  She hopes that “Breathe,” a companion to her still unfolding novel, encourages those who continue to feel the impact of the storms.