Back row: Irv Sternberg, Carol McAdoo Rehme , Dan Guenther, Tom Kumpf
Seated: Phyllis Perry, Laura Resau, Liz Holzemer, Ann Whitehead Nagda.
Not shown: Susan Tweit

FINAL JUDGES COMMENTS 2008 WINNING ENTRIES

Book Length Fiction

Genre

No Laughing Matter by Irv Sternberg

“Irv Sternberg’s No Laughing Matter is a surprisingly serious novel, considering that it features a comic, Izzy Brand, an appealing lead… told through a compelling first-person narrative…a moving tale, full of lush descriptions of Denver…well-plotted at a good pace... believable motivations…genuine and touching.” – Hailey Lind, president of the Northern California Chapter of  Sisters of Crime, and author of the Art Lover’s Mystery Series, including the Agatha-nominated Feint of Heart and IMBA bestsellers Shooting Gallery and Brush With Death.

Middle Grade/YA

Red Glass by Laura Resau

“Spectacular writing— Resau’s imagery and her sheer master of prose is breathtaking. Her characters will stay with me forever. I feel as though I have taken a personal journey…” – Alane Feguson, Mystery Writers of America Edgar winner, and internationally published author of more than 30 books for children and young adults.

Children’s Picture Books/Early Readers.

Tarantula Power by Ann Whitehead Nagda

“Wonderful book! The dialogue sparkles and at times made me laugh out loud. Very believable characters and good tension throughout. Book delivers an important message without being didactic. I learned a lot about tarantulas, too! Many children will enjoy this book—it’s well-written, lively and engaging.” – Leslea Newman, author of middle-grade novels, Hachiko Waits and Fat Chance, and many picture books, including The Best Cat in the World.

Book Length Nonfiction

Service and Informational

Curveball: When Life Throws You a Brain Tumor by Liz Holzemer

“…the author maintains reader interest from episode to the next with clear stule and easily grasped concepts. The user’s manual at the end might be useful for those seeking help with similar medical problems. Light, quirky reading.” – Dr. Juan Bruce-Novoa, Professor of Literature; Director of the University of California Irvine Chicano Literary Prize Contest; novelist, short story writer, poet.

Children’s

Field Guide to Ocean Animals by Phyllis Perry

“Text flows and is very readable. The diary style also adds extra appeal that will catch reader interest…photos and drawings make facts about the creatures very clear, and the 3-D models are a wonderful way to make the information ‘real.’  All in all, an extremely enjoyable and informative read for people of all ages!” – Richelle Mead, New York Times bestselling author of Frostbite, and also the author of Vampire Academy and Succubus Blues.

Adult Feature

Creating Buzz by Susan Tweit

“This story was a delight to read. The writing was clear and alive, a great challenge considering the complex behavior of bees and the technical aspects of caring for them and encouraging their well-being. The details were well-chosen and their crisp delivery was instructive, yet always entertaining. Susan Tweit wrote with a strong authoritative voice, but never took on the tone of a lecturer. I appreciated the way the small scenes in the story were connected to global issues surrounding bees. The story—about insects—drew me in and actually made me want to do my part to set eco-system right. I’m guessing this article will inspire many beautiful gardens to be planted.” – Dan Rinaldi, Arts and Entertainment Editor The Denver Post, and 2004-2005 chairman of the criticism panel for the Pulitzer Prizes.

SHORT NONFICTION

Adult essay

Of Trifles and Truffles by Carol McAdoo Rehme

“I fall into Carol McAdoo Rehme’s imagery. I can see the sun climbing through the slats, my nose tickles from dust now disturbed, and I can feel the pump of adrenaline that overtakes an inspired writer. Rehme nails the writer experience—the cataloguing of daily flotsam that someday, maybe, will become a sum of it parts.” – Amanda Faison, Senior Editor, 5280 Magazine

Poetry

Two Sides: Haiku and Other Words by Tom Kumpf

“At times funny, angry, morbid—but always evocative and sensual, Two Sides is a fine exploration of meaning and connection through the structure of the haiku form. The poems and images coalesce into a gathering of emotion, and from that gathering there emerges a sense of solace and peace, and a wonder of the world.” – Michael J. Henry, MFA, Executive Director , Lighthouse Writers Workshop

Specialty writing.

Dodge City Blues Instructor Guide with Modules and Simulation for Team Learning by Dan Guenther

 “…would fit a lot of management training situations.  This is a unique way to teach management skills and team leadership…lesson plans thorough…gets the point across in the most original way.” – Constance M. Gotsch, Producer, Write On Four Corners, KSJE FM, Farmington, NM