I entered a competition recently, the 2023 Bookmark Story Contest, sponsored by Yountville Arts, Friends of the Yountville Library and the Napa County Library. The contest was inspired by Ernest Hemmingway’s famous 6-word story, Baby Shoes. Fellow writers at the time had challenged the author to write a story using only six words.
My challenge would be easier, writers were asked to submit 60-word stories, short enough to fit on a bookmark. I began by searching through my files and fiddling with stories and poems I thought might work. I ended up submitting two stories and had great fun experimenting.
There were to be five winning stories and five honorable mentions. The winning stories would be printed on bookmarks and given out to library patrons. Also, $$. Five writers would receive $100.00! That would give my morale a boost and jumpstart my writing this year.
When I received an email from Geoffrey Leigh, a member of the Yountville arts commission asking me to attend the awards ceremony I thought it looked like a standard come to the party and see who won kind of invitation. It was addressed to all participants.
“I would like to remind you of our Bookmark Stories Awards Ceremony. It will by held next Wednesday, January 17th, from 5:30-7:00 pm in the Heritage Room at the Yountville Community Hall (6516 Washington Street, Yountville). Light refreshments will be served.
I hope you all can attend. Feel free to bring friends and family members if you wish.
Thank you for your interest and support of this year’s contest.”
In gratitude, Geoffrey Leigh
A few weeks later, the day of the event, I received another email reminding me to attend and be ready to read my stories. Again, I assumed many competitors were being asked to read so I thought nothing of it. I had planned on being there and I would bring Dave as a guest. I still didn’t believe it would be any more than a little social event. Boy, was I wrong! I not only was one of the five winners, but I also received an honorable mention for my 2nd story! Consider my morale boosted!!
Congratulations!!
Congratulation!! Great way to start 20224 writing season!!
so happy for you! You are going far.
Love the message on your bookmark, Barbara.