And now, an excerpt or two from our SiWC 2008 Contest winners in the Writing For Young People category. But first, here's a word about our judges:
Shelley Hrdlitschka
Shelley is the best-selling author of 8 books for teens. She has released two new books this year, Gotcha! and Sister Wife. Shelley lives and writes in Deep Cove. She is this year’s recipient of the SiWC Surrey Board of Trade Special Achievement Award.
James McCann
Growing up on the icy plains of Manitoba, James McCann spent most of his time as a teen reading comics and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Both of these hobbies taught him his storytelling tools that he now uses as an author and creative writing instructor. He is the author of Rancour (first released in 2005 with a second edition due in
2008), Pyre (2007), and Dawn (Christmas 2008).
Before turning to mentoring youth in creative writing, he worked in children’s bookstores for seven years. Unlike the creatures of the night of which he writes, he lives peacefully in the daylight with his Shih Tzu, Conan. You can learn more
about him at www.jamesmccann.info
And now -- the excerpts!
Honourable mention:
October Storm
by Hélène Boudreau
“Cripes, Logan. What the hell were you thinking?” Logan’s father slapped his hat into his hand.
A patient in the nearby bed looked up from his tray table. Logan sunk deep into his pillows and brought the sheets up to his chest. The harsh scent of industrial laundry soap caught in his throat and threatened to overwhelm him.
