ACU Students Win Creative Writing Contests in 2009

0 Commentsby   |  01.27.10  |  Announcements, Shinnery Review, Student Spotlight

Three students from Abilene Christian University won awards in The Conference on Christianity and Literature’s 2009 student creative writing contest. One student won an award in College Language Association creative writing contest.

Brent DillBrent Dill has been awarded first place in fiction for his short story, “Community Theatre.” Nicole Mazzarella, author of This Heavy Silence and this year’s final judge in fiction, made this comment about Dill’s work: “In the tradition of ‘Miss Brill,’ ‘Community Theater’ reveals the desires of Elaine through her close observations of setting and other characters.  The writer demonstrates mastery of setting as it adds to the narrative tension and expands our understanding of Elaine.   This writer takes great care with all of the minor characters; they are believable, unique, and significant.”

Jessica GeorgeJessica George has been awarded third place in fiction for her short story “Popsicles and Cigarettes.” Mazzarella made this comment on George’s short story: “The retrospective narrator of “Popsicles & Cigarettes” avoids intrusion and nostalgia instead we enter the complexities of young adolescence. The complications created by the father’s unemployment rightfully become the back drop for the young boy’s concerns about friendship, zip lines, and cigarettes. Yet the family’s tensions clearly influence the young man’s choices and his feelings of responsibility toward his family at the end.  I was drawn into this coming of age story and admired the writer’s portrayal of youthful friendships.” Hear Jessica George read her poetry on KACU’s Poet’s Corner.

Danielle BeschDanielle Besch was awarded second place in poetry for her poems entitled “Matthew 27:46,” “First Night,” and “Summer Sweet Corn.” Susanna Childress, Director of CCL’s 2009 Creative Writing Contest, said: “Please congratulate the winners, who are being sent notification today, and spread this good news to your department. It speaks highly of your creative writers and creative writing faculty to have two winners among the many fine entries!”  Hear Danielle Besch read her poetry on Poet’s Corner on KACU.

Tifanee JacksonTifanee Jackson earned second place for her poems in College Language Association creative writing contest. Dr. Rhonda Collier nominated Tifanee Jackson for the contest. Tifanee began writing poetry in Professor Haley’s creative writing class in fall 2008.  Prof. Haley says: “Tifanee’s poems are amazing–they’re both lyrical and compellingly gritty. From the beginning she had a strong poetic voice and something unique to say.”

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