The CLA Creative Writing Contest Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the 2006-2007 Creative Writing Contest. We’ve included some of their thoughts on winning our competition. The Creative Writing Contest Committee congratulates these young writers and wishes them continued success.

 

POETRY CATEGORY

“Short of taking an actual creative writing class, I find that there aren't many spaces for critical attention for the college creative writer. So you can imagine my delight at both learning about this Creative Writing Contest and actually winning. Of course writers should not write for the prizes; however, prizes do offer affirmation: a way of knowing that the world still values the writer, the artist. This contest has provided me with some gumption to keep writing and take my craft more seriously. To look at writing as much more than a heady indulgence; rather, a life's work.”

Abdul Ali Abdurrahman
Howard University
1st Place
"I've competed in other arenas before, submitted to other places. However, with the CLA there was a truly deserving sense of accomplishment when I placed; I really feel like now I have a viable talent, worthy of an academic setting with realized ideas. The CLA being the literary giant that it is, it is very important to succeed in that environment, on whatever scale."

James E. Cammon
Morehouse College
2nd Place
“I was excited and surprised when I received notification that I was awarded a prize in the contest. I would have not stopped writing, even if I had not won. However, winning has proven to me that I have a talent that others recognize and embrace. Winning was the news I needed to let me know I was on the right path. Writing after the contest has been a wonderful and inspirational experience!!”


Sh’Myra Moore
North Carolina Central University
3rd Place
“Creative writing in a foreign language challenges a writer to delve deeper into the vocabulary, grammar, sounds and nuances of that language. I'm grateful for an opportunity to get feed-back on my work; it has encouraged me to continue writing and keep submitting.”


Ann Shivers-McNair
Samford University
Honorable Mention (French)

SHORT STORY CATEGORY

“Last year I was encouraged by my professor to submit to the College Language Association/ Margaret Walker Prize for Fiction. And I won. I also won first place for the 2007 College Language Association/Margaret Walker Prize for Fiction. Winning the contest inspired me to write more; it validated my skills as a writer. Since then I've applied to several writing workshops and contests. I've met accomplished published writers and I'm more proactive in my role as writer.”

Ashley Williams
Univ. of Maryland (Baltimore County)
1st Place
“Competing in the CLA creative writing competition was the very first time I got the courage to put myself and my work out there for criticism. I always thought that I had the ability to create something meaningful, but winning second place only confirmed it. Now I have the confidence to send some of my work to publishers knowing that I am capable.”

Natalie D’Auvergne
Southern University
2nd Place
"The CLA Creative Writing Contest helped me realize that I do have a valuable voice in this world. It has also given me the spark I needed to keep writing."

Shantee’ Woodards
Morgan State University
3rd Place