'Fiction in a Nutshell'

Several weeks ago we asked our readers—those with an active imagination and a knack for writing—to put their creative juices to work in The Acorn's second annual

"Fiction in a Nutshell" contest. The response was gratifying, as 115 entries were

submitted. The stories, limited to 100 words, covered a wide range of topics: science

fiction, romance, comedy and adventure. We had animals, emotions, danger and

despair—and several surprise endings that left us howling. Somewhere there's a novel out there! Entries were judged on writing style, creativity and story line. The first-place

winners each received a $50 prize. To all the contestants we say, "Thank you."

FIRST PLACE

Under 18 years

'Romance Fades into the Sunset'

I watched from afar, invisible enough that these two lovers wouldn't be disturbed by my empty presence.

As I watched, I was brought to tears by the affection they showed to each other. There was no separating them, and I was half convinced they didn't know a world existed apart from them.

Michael Park The sun faded away in the distance as the crescent waves glossed over. It became dark, and I knew I had to leave, so I walked over to the two lovebirds, closed the cage, and turned my face to the ocean as I carried them to the car. Michael Park, 16 Agoura Hills

FIRST PLACE

18 and over

'Knock on Wood'

It was a mini-ball that opened the Union private. But, a doctor promised the bloodied boy the procedure would go well, "knock on wood."

"We're experimentin' with ether. You'll feel nothin', just 'sif you're dead."

Perchance, a mis-directed Confederate shell took the doctor during surgery.

The soldier woke to darkness and difficult breathing but, "I'm alive," he gasped to himself. "War's over for me, knock on wood, and good riddance."

He rolled left for comfort but struck the edge of, what—the bed? He rolled right. Same. He reached up a hand, which only managed to knock on wood. Michael Skene, 57 Agoura Hills

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Michael Park, a 16yearold Agoura Hills resident, doesn't own the lovebirds he so touchingly described in his "Fiction in a Nutshell" winning entry.

But the birds were a key element in Michael's 100word ode to love and passion, "When Romance Fades Into the Sunset," which won the judges' approval in the under18year-old category.

"It just kind of came to me," said Michael, who had written a similar piece for his English class last year. He changed the piece into a short story and entered it into The Acorn's 2008 contest.

Although Michael has a flair for writing and enjoys doodling with words in his free time, he hasn't decided which direction his future should take.

Writing is just one of many talents the Oak Park High School junior is cultivating. Michael is also an accomplished artist who enjoys drawing and painting, and is a skilled shutterbug who might one day earn a living as a photojournalist.

Michael Skene He plays the acoustic guitar and has formed a twoman band called "Pharaohs" with his brother, Daniel. In addition, Michael is a member of his school's track team.

The 100-word format, he said, was "difficult," but "kind of nice."

Nice indeed for Michael Park, the winner in this year's "Fiction in a Nutshell" junior category.

—Stephanie Bertholdo

Michael Skene of Agoura said he decided to enter The Acorn's "Fiction in a Nutshell" competition while taking a walk in his neighborhood.

Somehow, Skene became inspired by the phrase, "knock on wood," and decided to combine his love of history and the Civil War era in particular in a short story about a young soldier whose unpleasant operation ends with a twist.

Skene's 99-word story was wonderfully crafted in the vernacular of the 19th century, and might even be viewed as a literary cross between Mark Twain and Edgar Allen Poe.

Skene, who's an attorney and also the head coach of the Agoura High girls' soccer team, said he finds the Civil War era among the most interesting times in American history.

Writing has always been a pastime for the 57 year old. In addition to writing occasional short stories for his own pleasure, he said he gets a "big kick" out of writing creative game summaries with a touch of humor for his soccer team.

"Knock on Wood," the winner in the over18year-old category, was the first story Skene had ever submitted for publication. When asked if he might pursue writing for profit, he dismissed the idea saying he was "too old" and that it was "too late in his career."

We don't think so.

Talent such as this should be nurtured and celebrated at every age.

—Stephanie Bertholdo

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Under 18 years

'Last Time'

Rick rushed down the hall, narrowly avoiding nurses and patients. He ducked below a hanging I.V. cord and skidded to a stop.

Room 231.

Rick hesitated as he remembered the 22-to-0 drubbing the Yankees just took. He gathered some courage and entered.

Upon the bed lay an old man suffering through his final moments. The man turned to Rick with a mixture of hope and despair. "Well," he gasped, "did the Yankees win?"

Rick chuckled. "Aye, Pa . . . They sure did, big time." A smile grew on the old man's face as he closed his eyes for the last time. Elijah Katz, 14 Calabasas

18 and over

'Where We Are Now'

A glance at both of their hands, side by side, illustrated the reality of their situation.

Roger's wedding band had lost its bright luster and was now permanently wedged between the hairy rolls of his finger. It would have been impossible to remove it, not that he would have put in much of a dedicated effort.

The stone had fallen of Margaret's ring a few years ago while doing laundry, and the ring itself might have fallen off too if her worsening arthritis didn't hold it securely in place.

It had been about thirty years since they had really been in love. Nicole Antoinette Ross, 23 Westlake Village

Columns RSS feed