Woven Pathways — Chris Allen

The motto and mission of SouthWest Writers is Writers Helping Writers. We do this through classes, conferences, workshops and a membership of more than 400 people, including many published, well-known authors. Twice monthly meetings offer insights and opportunities for networking.The annual writing contest provides yet another opportunity for both aspiring and seasoned writers to test their skills and push their boundaries. Our contests are open to anyone, not just members of SouthWest Writers.This year's theme of Woven Pathways reflects how our love of all things writing weaves us together into an inclusive, supportive community regardless of our culture or background. We encourage both the people and the stories of those who are underrepresented. We believe constructive criticism shouldn't condescend; but rather, it should enlighten, empower and enable writers to perfect their wordcraft.This year's contest includes writing categories in both prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, spanning the gamut from opening pages of novels to flash fiction to memoirs. It also includes two art categories. Most of the categories were adjudicated by our professional team but the membership voted on two - the Interior Art and Limericks categories. Thirteen categories were adjudicated and awards were given for First, Second and Third place plus some Honorable Mentions.We the members of SouthWest Writers hope you enjoy this year's anthology of contest finalists - after all, you the reader are the reason we write!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Table of Contents~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Short StoriesThey Only Showed Elvis from the Waist UpAnnabelThe Man in the TruckRetributionA Reunion at Hotel Meurice - 1974Here Be DragonsSecret BeachWallflowersThe Man from Jalisco, MexicoThe GiftWelcome to the NeighborhoodThe AnnouncementThe Morality of Nuts is NutsSection Two -Opening Pages of a NovelInspiration from the Ashes: A Christmas TaleOne Last Cowboy SongThe War HorseUnmaskedHer Rogue's ReformApril 1818Grizzly StreetsThe Great DyingVintage ModelThe Art of VengeanceBosque MoonHotel CarrizozoInfinity Times FourWayward TrailPerseus SphereRide into the NightSection Three Flash FictionArrivals and DeparturesAnonymous GiftsA Bicycle ConversationKim's LuckThe Dinner HourSection Four PoetryThe DreamThe IcicleAlways the Cactus BloomsIn Gratitude to PoetryHalloween Babies are SPECIAL!X MemoriesTrain Wrecks and BoxcarsJust Plain SelfishGarden GripesEconomics 101Section Five Non-Fiction MemoirThe Contemporary CarHeirloomThe Musty Smell of BooksONSLAUGHT 2020Precious PennyWeightlessSpecial CatRequiem For Another SoulMoroccan EpilogueA Castle to Ourselves6:00 a.m. Christmas Morning at the Grand Canyon