The Ventura County Writers Club is proud to announce the winners of its 18th annual short story contest. “We received some of the best stories in the youth category we have ever had,” says VCWC President Rhonda Noda. First place winner, in the high school category, Lauryn Trimmer (17) won $100 for her story Shooting Stars. Ms. Trimmer hopes to work in the publishing industry after college. Second place in the high school category went to San Jose sophomore Elaine Zhai for her story Snatched. She frequently writes for her school newspaper and for Harker DECA, a leadership program. Third place in the high school category is El Camino High School student Danielle Shew for The Candy Stalker.
The first place prize of $500 in the adult category went to long-time Westlake resident, artist and published author, Kathleen Auth for her story Todd O’Brian. The second-place winning story The Cat is by Camarillo resident, author, editor Sheli Ellsworth. Psychologist Glenn Rowe of Moorpark placed third for his story Déjà vu.
Adult honorable mentions were Venturans Woody Woodburn for Full House, Empty House and The Guardian of the Gorge by Charlotte Rossler.
High school honorable mentions include Shattered Glass by Danielle Shew and Sir Maxwell’s Great Escape by El Camino High School student Annabella Page (16).
The club, established in 1933, was organized to encourage the draft of writing. Go to venturacountywriters.com for information.
