SouthWest Writers 2019 Winners Anthology: Annual Writing Contest (SouthWest Writers Annual Writing Contest Anthologies)

The 2019 SouthWest Writers Annual Writing ContestThe motto of SouthWest Writers is "Writers Helping Writers." We do this through classes, conferences, workshops and a membership of more than 370 people―many of whom are published, well-known authors. Twice monthly meetings offer insights and opportunities for networking. The Annual Writing Contest offers an important step in an author's development. It focuses on short pieces of poetry, non-fiction essays and genre-driven short prose - less than 3,500 words. The contest allows both budding authors and seasoned writers to sharpen their skills. Sixteen categories were offered, and awards were given for First, Second and Third place in each.Many new authors need a challenge in a supportive environment where they can feel comfortable discussing their work. A true success story begins with being courageous enough to put your skills in front of others. Our words are our children, so we need to understand that constructive criticism does not condemn, it helps us mold and grow out talents.Seasoned published writers can fall into a rut. Contests such as this one divert their minds and talents in different directions, freshening their skills and pushing their boundaries.Here you will enjoy winning entries in each category. At the time of the contest these stories had not been previously published, however, the author had the right to pull their work from this anthology if they chose to retain first publishing rights for use elsewhere.These stories are fun, or sad, or factual, or surprising - many of them are all these things. The genres are randomly mixed through the book. Pay attention to the names of the authors - you will probably see them again!Title of Story Author's NameRed Winter 1945 Charlene Dietz Go Time Sherene Gross As I Remember Him Larry KilhamStraight Flush Robert EdwardsLooka Here, Chad Dana StarrContingency Plan Mary Therese EllingwoodPoems Frank StephensPermission Brenda ColeMe, by Myself, Alone Linda YenThe Return of the Very Fierce Wolf of Gabbio to Assissi - Alan BernUnintended Consequences - Terrorist Turkeys Vicky RamakkaComida Leeanna TorresChristmas Eve on the RoadStan Rhine But What if the Buddhists got it Wrong?James Tritten Roberta and her Luchador Amara Cudney Midnight Express EVELYN M. NEIL Death in the Valley Ramesh Gopal Stepping Up to Rehab Elaine Montague The Sewing Box Sharon Rollins The Leaf Frank Stephens The Fishing Guide George McFall A Broad Abroad Dana Starr The Artist at the EndNathan McKenzie Vindicated Suzanne Byrne Precious Cargo Sherene Gross Race to PromentoryStan Rhine Not So Funny EVELYN M. NEIL Spinach Lasagna Tammie Lamphere-AlbertiNeal Cochran; His SPPs and the US's Nerve-Agent Deterrent Lee Brown A Sign of My TimesMarilyn Hill Obsession Chris Allen Airmail to Socorro Judy Nickell Woven Patricia WalkowWish Upon a Star Kimberly Rose