This year’s fiction contest brought 39 entries from 24 entrants, of which 13 were SIG members.  Four entries were disqualified for not following the guidelines. We received mostly mainstream stories, with a few genre and young adult entries.  The stories that made it to the winners’ list best exemplified the artful use of language and the strong characterizations, rhythm and flow that make for good storytelling.
        Gordon Graves’ story, “The Beast of the East,” captured the spirit of the theme, and stood out for its strong sense of place. And now—the Winners and Finalists.
   
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FIRST PLACE:
   The Beast of the East  (Speculative)
      by Gordon Graves
    
SECOND PLACE:
   Guidance  (Satire/Humor)
      by Aleta Hallemeier
    
THIRD PLACE:
   Grave Consequences  (Mystery/Suspense)
      by Joseph Benedetto
    
HONORABLE MENTION #1:
   Love and Crescendium  (Science fiction)
      by David A. Kentner
    
HONORABLE MENTION #2
   Southside Saturday  (Mainstream)
      by Leilani Allen  
  

THE FINALISTS (in alphabetical order):  
     Louise Jaffe-Gerber, Eleanor Michael,
     Doretta Warnock and Robert Weisz
    
        All winners received certificates suitable for framing.  First through Third places received cash awards and donated gifts, a one-year subscription, and publication in Calliope; honorable mentions received mini-subscriptions, donated gifts, and publication.  Cash prizes were distributed:
       
             $25—1st Place
             $10—2nd Place
              $5 —3rd Place

        The Finalists and six non-winning entries have been offered publication in forthcoming issues.   Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to everyone who participated

Winter 2010 -- Issue 126