Writing competition winners:

THE JULIA GRICE FICTION AWARD:
3rd place: "The Farm that Iris Built" by Debra Darvick
2nd place: "Tasting Infinity" by Martha Bennett Stiles
1st place: "The Ghost Who Threw Dried Beans" by Veronica Dale

THE MARGO LAGATTUTA POETRY AWARD:
3rd place: "Why Afghan Women Risk Death to Write Poetry" by Nadia Ibrashi
2nd place: "Captive" by Vicki Wilke
1st place: "To Enter the World" by Nadia Ibrashi

THE VICTORIA DIAZ CREATIVE NON-FICTION AWARD:
3rd place: "The Prisoner" by Nadia Ibrashi
2nd place: "Ugly Christmas Sweater" by Mary McKheen
1st place: "My Untapped Russian Roots" by Debra Darvick

"Thanks to DWW so very much for awarding my story first place in the Julia Grice Fiction contest today. I am honored at being recognized by such as prestigious group and even now have to blink away tears of joy. The award was amazingly generous, and marks the first time my fiction has resulted in actual cash. Thanks to all of you who shared the wisdom, friendship and enthusiasm at the conference. Love you all."-- Vernie (Veronica Dale), www.veronicadale.com, vernied.livejournal.com