Hooray! We have made it through one more Scinti writing contest, for July 2010. And what an amazing event it has been! Thank you for taking this journey with us. We have experienced, along with the authors, lives changing, lives beginning, lives moving on, lives finding their place in the world, lives searching, and lives finding that for which they have been searching.

If we were able, we would applaud and highlight each story. Here we wish to express our gratitude to you who wrote in and submitted your stories. Whether or not your submission made its way to the list of “finalists” or further, each story was extraordinary in its own right, because every life is unique and each person has something special to share.

We are pleased to now announce the winners: chosen by you!

Thank you, each of you, for reading the stories, laughing and crying with us, liking some, commenting on others, and letting Scinti be a part of your lives through this writing contest.

An honorable mention is due a few stories and we cannot let them pass without saying a few words on their behalf…

Hold on Loosely, by Erik Lutes — A heartfelt narrative that captivates your attention from beginning to end, and relates a tale of overcoming and inner strength.

“Your writing flowed so well that I hardly noticed the length, until I scrolled back to the top to reread the piece. I could feel your pain and your subsequent joy. That your spirit persevered in spite of everything gives me hope.” ~Lynn

Yellow Footprints, by Will Jones — Great story telling; draws you in and enables you to experience every moment with the writer.

“Thank you for a fine story. You are a great storyteller and I can feel the love for a father through his son. Keep on writing.” ~Kathie Harrington

Life Decision, by Jamie Mumblow — Beautifully written, expressing the turmoil that accompanies such difficult and life-changing choices that must at times be made.

“Wow, what a difficult thing to go through. The ending is beautiful, to be blessed once more.” ~Bonita Jewel

4^th Place (Honorable Mention):

The Day I Killed My Daughter, by Hannah Hoffman — chosen by our readers as fourth place, and definitely deserving of such.

“I was so moved to tears by this story, I’ve read it over several times. I don’t have any children but I often think about having a little girl one day. Thank you for sharing such a precious and vulnerable piece of yourself.” ~Natalie

Please celebrate now with the winners of the Scinti July 2010 writing contest:

3^rd Place:

What Hangs in the Closet of Your Past, by Patricia Smith

“As I was reading it, I found myself enveloped by the raw honesty of the writer as she reflected upon her life, her identity and non-identity. I found myself relating to what she was sharing, smiling and frowning at the same time as the memories of my own childhood came to memory.” ~Michelle Maynard Koenig

2^nd Place:

Spinning, by Lauren Krouse

“Wow, wonderful writing. Thank you for sharing this experience and your insight.” ~Gaye

1^st Place:

To an Athlete Dying Young, by Peter McKeown

“Touching story mate and very well written.” ~Gaurav Gupta

Thank you, contributors and readers, commentators and well-wishers—you made this writing contest come to life and we are grateful for your participation. The contest might be officially over, yet if you have a story that you wish to share, please do not hesitate to send it in. We will continue to do our best to find, write and post stories about life, and the myriad of emotions, experience and lessons it brings our way. You are welcome to continue on this journey with us.

Photo by Dhammza