After much deliberation, the editors at MSR have decided that there was not one story that stood out head and shoulders above the others entered into our contest. We decided to name four co-winners along with three runners-up/honorable mentions as you see them listed below. Since this did not constitute a large enough volume of work to justify an anthology, the winners will be offered publication in our quarterly literary magazine. Those who accept publication will share equally the prize money that would have been given to the winner AND the runner up. All 7 authors will be offered the opportunity to submit a full-length collection for book consideration.
Winners:
"The Yoga Master" by Patrick Tucker, Balitmore, MD
"Burt Halifax" by David Driscoll, Loves Park, IL
"A Fantastic Story about Stitches" by Mary Lopatosky, Providence, RI
"It's A Blood Thing" by Jim Finley, Friendswood, TXHonorable Mentions:
"Phyllis" by Jean Beatty, Charlotte, NC
"Infamous" by Robert K. Walters, Asheville, NC
"Sinatra" by Luke Tennis, Baltimore, MD
2005 WINNERS' LIST!!!
First Prize: How Many Ways Can You Die on a Bus by Michelle Ross, Bloomington, IN.
Second Prize (tie): Thelma By Sea by Susan Woodring, Drexel, NC, Water Sounds Like Water by Kasandra Duthie, Minneapolis, MN
Honorable Mentions (Finalists):
Casserole by Terry Lingrey, Eureka, CA,
The Fire Pit by Nathan Leslie, Fairfax, VA,
Politically Incorrect by Ken Burrows, Charlotte, NC
There Aren’t Any Virgins in Monteray by Thomas Livingston, Ojai, CA
If Robots Dream of Electric Sheep… by Jason Arbogast, Charlotte, NC
I Need to Borrow Your Car by Lynda Ward, Fayetteville, NC
Train of Thought by Jenny Lentz, Philadelphia, PA
Space Travellers by Nancy Lammers, Davidson, NC
The Quiet American or How to be a Good Guest by Ericka Dreifus, Cambridge, MA
Heart of the South by Merridawn Duckler, Portland, OR
Hamilton Warren… by D.E. Fredd, Townsend, MABecause the primary purpose for our contest is to select manuscripts for publication, all manuscripts on this list will be offered publication in the MSR Short Fiction Anthology. Several of the individual authors will also be invited to submit full-length manuscripts for publication consideration.
2006 Guidelines
Deadline: June 15 (postmarked) ****EXTENDED TO JUNE 30****
Reading Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $250 and 10 copies of published anthology, Second: $100 and 5 copies, Third: $50 and 5 copies.
***THEME for 2006***
"ENCOUNTERS WITH FAMOUS PEOPLE"
All entries will be considered for publication and receive a copy of the published anthology.As many as five (5) finalists will be invited to submit a book length manuscript for publication consideration.
Length: Up to 10,000 words.Please double space all short fiction entries.
General Guidelines
(Apply to ALL MSR Contests)No restriction on content style or subject—we’re looking for the best manuscript.
Include a separate cover letter with manuscript title, author’s name, and all pertinent contact information. Author’s name should not appear anywhere in manuscript.
A table of contents is helpful as is paginating the manuscript, but DO NOT include acknowledgements or dedications pages. Disregarding this guideline can result in disqualification without notification.
Please use a common font like Arial or Times no smaller than 10 pt, no larger than 12 pt.
For notification of receipt, entries may include a post card, but if they include an email address, we will send verification of receipt via email.
Entries should include an SASE (#10—business size) for winner notification ONLY if they choose to not be notified by email.
No manuscripts will be returned.
Do not send anything USPS Return Receipt or Signature Receipt—we won’t stand in line for it.
*Although MSR frowns on simultaneous submissions for our magazine, it is acceptable for our contests. Upon notification, however, winner must immediately withdraw his/her manuscript from consideration elsewhere.
MSR will accept entries via email, BUT only until May 15. Contact Main Street Rag for instructions before sending any manuscript via email.
Online Payment
Contest RecommendationsPrevious Contest Winners
2004 WINNER: Steve Taylor, La Crescenta, CARunners up:
Carl Thompson, Annondale, VA
Norm Waksler, Cambridge, MAHonorable Mentions:
Carl F. Thompson, Jr, Anondale, VA
Dennis Must, Salem MA2003 WINNER: Charles Edward Brooks, Portugal
Runners up:
Cyndy Muscatel, Rancho Mirage, CA
Dennis Abbott, St. Paul, MNHonorable Mentions:
Carl F. Thompson, Jr, Anondale, VA
Dennis Must, Salem MA
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