During Alamance Reads 2011, we had 98 writers submit their essays to compete for our Barnes & Noble gift card prizes. The first place winners in each category are listed below. By clicking on the name of their essay, you can access a PDF file that will enable you to read their winning submission. Thanks to everyone who participated. This was our best participation ever.

Middle School Category 1st Place: Mary Brennan - "My Dad, My Self"
High School Category 1st Place: Kori Simmons - "Treasured Times"
18 & Older Adult Category 1st Place: Leigh Anne Whittle -" Life's Truffles"

INFORMATION ON THE WRITING CONTEST

One of the most challenging events of Alamance Reads, for both the writers and the judges, is the writing contest.This year we decided to forgo writers having to write about our book. We decided the themes in this book were already more about everyday life than they ever had been, and people do like to write about what they know. Therefore, this year we are asking for 1000 word or less submissions on one of the following four topics:

1. Illness in the family and its impact on relationships
2. Loss of an immediate family member
3. The important role grandparents play in a person's life
4. The relationship between a father and son or between a grandparent and grandson

Rules of the Writing Contest

1. Writer must be a resident of or work in Alamance County, NC.
2. All submissions must be original, unpublished work.
3. Submissions will not be returned.
4. Submissions should be no more than 1000 words, typed and double spaced. If you create your document in Microsoft Word, also please submit a digital file so we won't have to manually count the words. Digital files should be submitted to: ncauline@hotmail.com
5. All entries must be submitted with the entry application on or by February 5, 2011. Please submit your entry to your local Alamance County Public Library or by e-mail to: ncauline@hotmail.com
6. Submissions will be judged in three categories based on age/grade: 11-13 (middle school), 14-18 (high school), 18 and over (Adult). Winners will be announced at the final Alamance Reads event on Saturday, February 19, 2011.
7. Prizes in each age group: 1st prize - $50 Barnes & Noble gift certificate; 2nd prize - $25 Barnes & Noble Gift certificate; 3rd prize - $10 Barnes & Noble gift certificate.
8. All winning entries will be published on the Alamance Reads website and perhaps in Alamance Magazine and/or The Times-News.