CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS of our 50th Anniversary Short Fiction Contest:
First Place: Eric Heidle, Great Falls
Second Place: Michael Riley, Cody, Wyoming
Third Place: Sabrina Holland, Helena
Our contest judge, Caroline Patterson, said "the stories were really excellent and picking a winner was difficult. Many of these stories were varied, rich in detail, well written, and richly imagined.That said, I picked 'At Jackson Creek' because of its tight, clear language and the way it conveys--in a taut, beautifully drawn scene--the story of loss of land experienced in so many places in Montana.
"My two runners-up are: 'Hoka Hey' [second placed] for its compelling story of recovery and loss in the context of a reservation AA meeting, and and English/Language Arts-1: Story As Primer' [third place] for its unique primer-like structure that tells the story of growing up in Butte, whisky, stigmata and all."
Thanks to everyone who sent stories - so many wonderful stories. We received nearly 170! This contest proved, once again, that MTPR listeners are smart and creative.