Writing Contest Winners
- Amy Lynn McConahy
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
Hello All! A quick update for our Cover Art Contest. We are now over 1,600 votes and counting. Our current top spot is Cover 22 with 268 votes, second is Cover 33 with 237 votes, and third is Cover 2 with 180 votes. The top 6 covers will be featured in next week's newsletter, so be on the lookout for that! Now, for our Windows and Paths Writing Contest Winners, along with, for the first time ever, a beginning snippet for each winner. ENJOY!
The Cover Art Contest is Sponsored by Author Jessica Bertrand (jessicabertrand.com), Author Lynn U. Watson (lynnuwatson.com), Author Marilyn K. Blair (theeastportseries.com), and Author D. M. Griffin (devotedsteps.com).
CONTEMPORARY WINNER: Cat-Harpin Trail By Cheryle Cooper
Through the window I saw a man. He was limping. Dawn had barely broken, making it
difficult to be sure. But it looked like blood on his face. One of his coat pockets dangled by a
thread, too.
Oh no! My heart jumped. He was staggering up our private walkway. I refused to panic.
Papa always left a spare Garrison 1911 for us – just in case. I was staying at his field house, hoping the country air ensconced in greenery would cure my writer’s block and miraculously fill those empty pages. However, after sliding that steely pistol into my back waistband, I wondered would this weekend “getaway” be my last...
HISTORICAL WINNER: When the Mists Rise By Lydia Coral Willcock
Through the window, I saw the morning mist roll in, shrouding the mountain peaks.
Pink and white drifted down over the valley, grey rockface flickering in and out of
sight.
I buttoned my coat up to the neck, squinting in the dim hallway light. Although I had
already taken down the blackout curtains, the sun had not yet topped the mountains. I
opened the door and stepped out, a crisp chill creeping through the fabric and clawing
at my exposed face.
The morning light showed up every strip of the peeling paint, and I winced as I
rounded the cottage...
INSPIRATIONAL WINNER: Thou Lovedst Me By Katja H. Labonté
Through the window, I saw the old house. White weather-beaten paint peeled off the rotting wooden boards; but the empty windows reflected the sunset light with a glow that made the place seem inhabited once more.
“It’s a pity to see it tumbling down so,” I said musingly.
“‘So wags the weary world away,’” quoted Beth, who was sewing in the chair next to me. “‘For the things which are seen are temporal…’”
“Do you think Great-Grandfather Thompson would be disappointed to see it so?”
“No, I think he’d be too sensible to expect his progeny to live in a sieve,” retorted my sister, snipping through threads like they were so many contentious voices.
“Well… but don’t you agree it’s a little sad to see a place once so full of love, and light, and warmth, now barren and dark?”...
MYSTERY WINNER: Hidden Things By Sharon Rose
Through the window, I saw the same deserted room. Sunlight slanted in, revealing the
abandoned furniture. A broken doll cradle and an ancient rocking chair. Was that a basket beside it?
Why didn’t I remember that?
Maybe because I visited so rarely. If I didn’t find what I came for, this would be the last
time. Pointless search. The house had been stripped of everything worth moving, but I had to be sure.
Guilt roiled through the pang of impending loss. Like I was failing my ancestors. Five
generations, and I would be the one to lose our homestead...
The Windows Contest is Sponsored by the Strangers and Aliens Podcast by Ben Avery (strangersandaliens.com).
JUNIOR WRITING CONTEST WINNER: Waldertier By Wilmer Kaether
Along the path, I saw lush grasslands stretching as far as I could see, dotted here and there with bright yellow flowers and tall, leafy trees. There was no wildlife, except for the occasional birdsong or hum of an insect. There wasn't even a squirrel within eyesight.
I was very surprised, to say the least, when a fox wearing a fedora walked up from somewhere behind me. He then sat on the path ahead of me, studying me intently.
I had begun to cautiously approach this animal when it spoke, in a (and I thought this very odd) sightly British accented voice that exuded intelligence and a craftiness that belied its small and altogether harmless-looking stature.
“Hellooo, human, this is a very, very, long path. You must be in dire need of refreshments, am I wrong?”...
The Paths Contest is Sponsored by Author Heidi Glick (authorheidiglick.com) and Author Tony B. Richards (tonybrichard.com).
Sunset Valley Productions: Narrow Road Ahead by Frank Hutchison is now LIVE. Listen now at https://frankhutchison.hearnow.com
There is no Story Fodder section again this week. Sorry guys, I just didn't want this missive to be too long with all the story snippets. Don't forget that the advertising deadline is coming up next week on Saturday. Thank you in advance for all of your support! God is good!
May your day be bright and your reading be epic!
~ Amy Lynn McConahy, Clean Fiction Magazine
REMINDER: We cannot continue to publish our magazine without your help! Please consider either becoming an advertiser, supporting Clean Fiction on Patreon, or directly supporting us with a Yearly Subscription (for as little as $10/year!).
Our Advertising Deadline is February 14th for the Spring Edition 2026.
Subscribe to One of Our Newsletters HERE! (https://www.sunsetvalleycreations.com/contact)
Upcoming/Current Events
Website | |
Patreon | |
Amazon | |
Goodreads | |
Threads | |
Discord | |
YouTube |
Comments