It’s a big day today, my fellow Scribophiles: we’re about to give out hundreds of dollars of cold, hard cash to some extremely worthy writers!
The Contemporary Photography Writing Contest Winners
“Grandma’s Picture,” by Pedro Meyer, inspired many wonderful works of flash fiction and poetry. Choosing the winners was challenging, but fun. Our decision was made based on craft, originality, adherence to the theme, and taste.
Flash Fiction
1st place, $100 cash via Paypal: Winds of Change, by Girl with a Pen
This piece had excellent character development. It appeals to all five senses, especially the feeling of the ‘discipline’ – an original, surprising twist. The subtlety of the writing displayed trust in the reader. Even though it was only one character, details that were not presented exactly were provided with enough clues for the reader to piece them together. By including the action of a child carrying a painting, the author underscored the theme of Pedro Meyer’s photograph.
2nd place, $50 cash via Paypal: Si Nos Dejan (If You Let Us) by Keshiins Deer
A very compelling piece. Strong emotional impact and excellent character development, especially in the first half. We liked the fusion of the photo’s theme and a real-life tragedy, and the inclusion of the song as added source material.
Honorable Mentions
The Still Life of Doriana, by Brynn
Possibilities of Food, by Rose Marie Sloan
Buying Paint, by Karrde
Hey Mister. You Take Pichers?, by The Curmudg
Grandmother’s Picture, by Lee Paine
Poetry
1st place, $100 cash via Paypal: Celestial, by Lace Chernyovskaya
This piece is a wonderful interpretation of the photo. We thought it was the most complete and creative piece from beginning to end. The choice of dialogue to propel a poem can be challenging, but the author made it look easy. The passion in the adversity seemed to be in memory and not the present, but it was, nonetheless, outstanding and satisfying.
2nd place, $50 cash via Paypal: Diffusion (Grandma’s Portrait) by Mel Mills
Nice use of language and poetic metaphor immerses the reader in the event. Even with the sadness, the metaphysical aspect of the poem underscored the photo’s hopeful theme. The last two lines were particularly appealing.
Honorable Mentions
Grandma’s Portrait, by Docx2
Shadowbox, by Angela Williams
Beautiful Soul, by Adelana Olusegun
Grandma’s Portrait, by T.W. Logan
Thanks to everyone who entered, and join us in congratulating the winners!
The Humanity in Poetry Contest
Our next contest is a free-verse poetry contest that gives you a chance to win part of $175 cash in prizes. The theme is a little more serious: we’re putting Kevin Carter’s iconic image of a vulture preying on a Sudanese child in the center as a means to evoke a deep reaction from your writing. Your poem must reflect the photo, but we’re interested in poetry that evokes as complex a reaction as the photo does.
Entries are due by August 31, 2011.
Read more about the contest here, and good luck!