I was just notified today by the Texas Writers Journal that my short story, “Chicago ’71” was selected as the Grand Prize Winner for 2014. The piece was selected for the quarterly publication in July which made it a finalist for the 2014 Annual Competition.
TWJ is only for Texas writers, and I’m really honored that my short story was selected by them as their annual winner. It helps to receive validation that one’s writing has merit.
Chicago ’71 is a historical fiction based on family stories passed to me from my mom’s side of the family who survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. I mixed it with research I did on the fire, how it spread through the city, and what some people did to survive.
The prize is $500, Award Certificate, a year’s subscription, and a copy of the 2014 Annual publication. I’m really excited. This is the first time I have received actual money for my writing.
Check out my Bio at TWJ
