Woven Pathways

The motto and mission of SouthWest Writers is "Writers Helping Writers." We do this through classes, conferences, workshops and a membership of more than 400 people, including many published, well-known authors. Twice monthly meetings offer insights and opportunities for networking.

The annual writing contest provides yet another opportunity for both aspiring and seasoned writers to test their skills and push their boundaries. Our contests are open to anyone, not just members of SouthWest Writers.

This year's theme of "Woven Pathways" reflects how our love of all things writing weaves us together into an inclusive, supportive community regardless of our culture or background. We encourage both the people and the stories of those who are underrepresented. We believe constructive criticism shouldn't condescend; but rather, it should enlighten, empower and enable writers to perfect their wordcraft.

This year's contest includes writing categories in both prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, spanning the gamut from opening pages of novels to flash fiction to memoirs. It also includes two art categories. Most of the categories were adjudicated by our professional team but the membership voted on two - the Interior Art and Limericks categories. Thirteen categories were adjudicated and awards were given for First, Second and Third place plus some Honorable Mentions.
We the members of SouthWest Writers hope you enjoy this year's anthology of contest finalists - after all, you the reader are the reason we write!


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Table of Contents
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Short Stories

• They Only Showed Elvis from the Waist Up
• Annabel
• The Man in the Truck
• Retribution
• A Reunion at Hotel Meurice - 1974
• Here Be Dragons
• Secret Beach
• Wallflowers
• The Man from Jalisco, Mexico
• The Gift
• Welcome to the Neighborhood
• The Announcement
• The Morality of Nuts is Nuts

• Inspiration from the Ashes: A Christmas Tale
• One Last Cowboy Song
• The War Horse
• Unmasked
• Her Rogue's Reform
• April 1818
• Grizzly Streets
• The Great Dying
• Vintage Model
• The Art of Vengeance
• Bosque Moon
• Hotel Carrizozo
• Infinity Times Four
• Wayward Trail
• Perseus Sphere
• Ride into the Night

• Arrivals and Departures
• Anonymous Gifts
• A Bicycle Conversation
• Kim's Luck
• The Dinner Hour

• The Dream
• The Icicle
• Always the Cactus Blooms
• In Gratitude to Poetry
• Halloween Babies are SPECIAL!
• X Memories
• Train Wrecks and Boxcars
• Just Plain Selfish
• Garden Gripes
• Economics 101

• The Contemporary Car
• Heirloom
• The Musty Smell of Books
• ONSLAUGHT 2020
• Precious Penny
• Weightless
• Special Cat
• Requiem For Another Soul
• Moroccan Epilogue
• A Castle to Ourselves
• 6:00 a.m. Christmas Morning at the Grand Canyon