Now, introducing the winners in addition to Ted:
Second Place, Adult: "Almost a Saint," by Renée Hankins of Kettering. Renee is a Dayton native and licensed massage therapist. She says she enjoys scenic drives down back roads, photography, people watching, and humor and is soon to retire, "unless 85 becomes the new retirement standard." Opening line to her story: "I almost became a saint in the fifth grade … "
Third Place, Adult: "The Amish," by Steve Mayne of Beavercreek. Steve is in his final year as a Creative Writing Student at Antioch University. When not writing he is a modern renaissance gamer and blogger; more of his stories and poetry are at stevemayne.blogspot.com. Opening lines to his story: "Throughout his life Benjamin Yoder has been called many things … "
Honorable Mention, Adult: "The Grim Reaper's Gift," by Christina M. Consolino of Kettering. Christina lives in Kettering and is an adjunct instructor at Sinclair Community College in the Biology Department. She splits her time between teaching and taking care of her four kids, one cat, and one dog. She hopes to someday publish one of the novels she is currently working on. Opening line of her story: "Six o'clock comes too early this dark April morning … "
First Place, Teen: "This Way to Manhattan," by Mariah Bete, 17, of Beavercreek. Maria is a senior at Carroll High School. She has been writing all her life and competed at the state level in Power of the Pen as a 7th grader and 8th grader. When she was 12 she won Honorable Mention in the Dayton Daily News Short Story Contest. After graduation Maria is becoming a Dominican sister. Opening line of her story: "I first learned to love on the way to Manhattan… "
Second Place, Teen: "John," by Anna Williamson, 15, of Yellow Springs. Anna lives in Yellow Springs and is a freshman at Yellow Springs High School. She says, "I'm so happy to be chosen for this honor." Opening line of her story: "John woke me up this morning by kicking me in the head … "
Third Place, Teen: "Tales of an Extremely Awkward Teenager: The Plan," by Skya Wright, 17, of Middletown. Skya is a junior at Middletown High School. She is involved in activities such as yearbook, National Honors Society, and Key Club, but says that her passion lies with words. Opening line of her story: "As I stood there in the church parking lot, out of breath, dripping with sweat and goldfish in hand, I scanned the perimeter … "
Honorable Mention, Teen: "Chef's Log," by Deborah Rocheleau, 17, of Monroe. Deborah's fiction has appeared on the "Tin House Open Bar," and in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" and "Mock Turtle Zine." She lives in Monroe, where she is currently writing a contemporary young adult novel. She blogs at deborahrocheleau.wordpress.com. Opening lines to her story: "Date: January 23, The Not-So-Distant future: I've got the culinary equivalent of a degree in rocket science, though one of those might come in handy now as I plan seven thousand meals … "
First Place, Youth: "A Shadowell Summer," by Jazlyn Simon, 11, of Dayton. Jazlyn says that she loves to read (currently "The Mortal Instruments" series by Cassandra Clare), has a dog named Ziggy, a best friend named Chasity who also enjoys reading and writing, and is in the Northmont District in the 5th Grade. Opening line to her story: "Mable Shadowell awoke early on June 1st, the day summer vacation officially began … "
Second Place, Youth: "No Future," by Helen Sparrow, 12, of West Carrollton—Helen is a sixth grader at Bishop Leibold School. She says her hobbies include reading and making rosaries. Helen adds that she loves literature, music and television shows from times past; her story is her first attempt at writing a futuristic world and was, in part, inspired by the iconic Twilight Zone episode "To Serve Man." Opening lines of her story: "I still have memories of how it used to be, when people lived in homes where they could do much of what they pleased … "
Other Literary Life news
This week, Books & Co. at The Greene welcomes three authors to discuss, read and sign their newest works, two with Ohio ties:
Tuesday June 11, 7 p.m.: P. L. Gaus will introduce "The Names of Our Tears," his newest novel set in a Holmes County, Ohio, Amish Community. Gaus's Amish-Country Mysteries examine the ethical, moral and scriptural nuances of the Amish, and the challenges their community faces co-existing with technology and temptations of the modern world.
Thursday June 13, 7 p.m.: John Scalzi, who lives in northern Ohio with his family, returns to the world he created in the "Old Man's War" for his newest science-fiction novel, "The Human Division."
Saturday June 15, 1 p.m.: Laura Moriarty will introduce the softcover edition of the captivating New York Times best-seller "The Chaperone."
Books & Co. is at 4453 Walnut St., Beavercreek.
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