We are delighted to announce the results of the 2009 Student Novel Writing Contest. The winning novel was picked from the work of students who completed the One Year Adventure Novel curriculum in 2009 and submitted their novels before the deadline of August 21, 2009.

1st Place:    Kytt's Tale, Carlie Gernhart
2nd Place:   Of Self and Sacrifice, by Elizabeth Lobach
3rd Place:    Allemande, by Lydia De Wolf

FINALISTS:
Allemande, by Lydia De Wolf
Prince of Thirtine, by Grace Garner
Forest of Lies, by Rachel Garner
Kytt's Tale, by Carlie Gernhart
Knights in Red Coats, by Jane Johnson
Of Self and Sacrifice, by Elizabeth Lobach
Child of Darkness, Child of Light, by Rachel Werner

• Stage 1
Seven finalists were selected from among the entries using a four step process similar to that which publishers use (or used to use in the olden days) when looking through a slush pile.

   1. Our panel of three readers each read the first ten pages of every entry. Those stories that failed to hold our interest were removed from the competition.
   2. We read the entire first chapter, removing those novels that failed to live up to the promise of the first ten pages. When in doubt, we left the novel in the competition.
   3. We read deeper into the remaining novels, this time setting aside those we felt merited a complete reading.
   4. We read the complete novel and discussed the merits of each. I then chose what I felt were the seven best manuscripts. 

The seven manuscripts that emerged from this process were (in alphabetical order by author):

   Allemande, by Lydia De Wolf

   Prince of Thirtine, by Grace Garner

   Forest of Lies, by Rachel Garner

   Kytt's Tale, by Carlie Gernhart

   Knights in Red Coats, by Jane Johnson

   Of Self and Sacrifice, by Elizabeth Lobach

   Child of Darkness, Child of Light, by Rachel Werner

I am extremely pleased with the quality of writing exhibited by all seven of these young authors. Each of them will receive a custom pen as a small token of appreciation for their hard work and craftsmanship.

• Stage 2
Through an extremely difficult process that took weeks to complete, three top awards were chosen from among the seven finalists. 
   Allemande, by Lydia De Wolf
   Kytt's Tale, by Carlie Gernhart
   Of Self and Sacrifice, by Elizabeth Lobach

• Stage 3
These three novels were given to two independent judges. I asked the judges to read and evaluate all three manuscripts based on the five categories listed below, and rank them in first, second and third place.

Emotion
Does the novel create emotion in you as you read it? Do you want to keep reading?

Conflict
Does the author create a compelling conflict that is carried from beginning to end? Is the story goal clear?
Value Changes
Is each chapter built around something important changing? (Or could one or more of the chapters have been omitted?)

Characterization
Do you care about the hero? How about the secondary characters? Are the author’s characters interesting?

Writing Quality
Is the author’s writing style clear and easy to read? Does the author use precise and unexpected details to create a vivid “movie” in your mind?

I also asked the judges to comment on the novels. These comments will be returned to the authors with their awards and custom pens. In addition, the first place winner will receive an ipod touch.

Here is the decision of the independent judges.

1st Place:    Kytt's Tale, Carlie Gernhart
2nd Place:   Of Self and Sacrifice, by Elizabeth Lobach
3rd Place:    Allemande, by Lydia De Wolf

I would like to personally thank and congratulate everyone involved. I am very impressed by the quality of work submitted, not just by the winners and finalists, but by many of the other students as well. It takes an enormous amount of work to complete a novel, and each of the students who completed the course has accomplished something many people only dream about. I am proud of all of them.

Please check out all of the novels posted in the novel showcase. 
~ Daniel Schwabauer

2010 Student Contest Rules