Such a great weekend. From Wes, Chrissie and myself to all the staff, volunteers–and especially the conferees–thank you for making SD31 such a memorable affair. First-timers abounded this time around. And the severe storm predicted to last all weekend—50-mile-an-hour sustained winds on the coast, inches of rain, frigid hellfire on earth and East Coast literary agents sopping mad—proved a dud because the attending writers shone so brightly as to burn the clouds away. While the sky got gloomy Friday evening, by Saturday we were once again fully abloom in San Diego winter. What waters fell only cleansed and rejuvenated an indomitable spirit shared between all.
To say the least, it was an excellent conference rife with exceptional writers.
Now on to the awards, for the first time featuring a triple-winner…
SCWC*31 Award Recipients
OUTSTANDING FICTION
The Man Who Couldn’t Sleep
By Christopher Garrett of Chandler, AZ
OUTSTANDING FICTION
The Angel’s Share
By Christopher Garrett of Chandler, AZ
Each SCWC, of course, we hold a contest in which all writers are invited to participate. The rules are simple: Write a piece in any form you wish of no more than 250 words based on the topic announced Friday night. The topic for SD31 was “Mirror.” Here’s the winning entry…
OUTSTANDING TOPIC STORY
Rear View
by
Christopher Garrett
of Chandler, AZ
“You know I can’t stand country music,” Samantha said. “Turn on NPR.”
Greg jabbed the button to avoid another argument. The voice of Terry Gross filled the car.
When he first met Samantha, Greg would have agreed to listen to Terry Gross all day long, simply for the sake of the great sex. He and Samantha disagreed on everything, except what happened between the sheets.
“You always keep it so cold,” Samantha said. “Turn up the temperature.”
But lust faded. Now their differences seemed to follow them everywhere, filling the back seat. Terry Gross sat behind him now, nodding as she listened to her own interview.
Greg preferred Willie Nelson to NPR.
Terry Gross scooted over for Willie. A slight smell of pot emanated from the back seat.
Or food. Samantha adored Thai food. Greg couldn’t stand it. Terry Gross bit down on a spring roll, peanut sauce dripping down her chin.
And politics? Don’t even start. Greg saw Willie Nelson surreptitiously elbow Trump for crowding him.
When had their differences become such intrusive baggage? Greg had hoped this weekend could be different.
“You know,” Samantha said. “Most of the books Terry recommends just aren’t very good. They’re about such small things.”
Greg looked at her. “That’s what I always say.”
“And I guess it is a little hot,” she said. She lowered the temperature. He had forgotten how Samantha’s hair shone in the sunlight. She smiled at him. “What?”
Terry Gross looked worried. “Umm…” she said. “How about a little heat back here?”
###
So there you go. For the first time in 49 SCWCs, one writer claims three awards in one event. And the rhino you’re looking at? Longtime conferee Marla Sink Druzgal had it specially made for the conference during her time in South Africa. There are only two in the entire world, and in addition to receiving a ceremonial hug for his win, Chris was bestowed one of them. Congratulations to all the… winner!
We’ll return to our longtime San Diego home at Crowne Plaza Hanalei for our 32nd annual. Dates will be Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 16-18, 2018. Limited to 175 writers, discounted pre-registration opens July 1. In the meanwhile, next up is our Fall conference, which takes place September in Irvine, CA. Full details here.
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC
