Top honors go to a Science Fiction piece that asks the reader to see him/herself in relationship to the universe.  The runner up story is a time-honored tale of doing what is right, even if it is not what one wants.  Kudos to the winners and entrants!
 

The Sword Review 2005 Fiction Contest has resulted in four fantastic works of speculative fiction that we will proudly present in January's Issue 10.  Here's what's in the works!

Winner, 2005 Fiction Contest

"Voices From the Void" by Mirta Ana Schultz tells a story of intergalactic travel that is more about journeys to find self-understanding than reaching a destination.  Why do we do what we do?  The judges agreed across the board that this entry was tops!  It is scheduled to appear as our Contest Finale on January 12, 2006.

The 2005 Fiction Contest Runner Up is "Old Steelfist" by student author, Sean T. M. Stiennon.  In Sean's story, the hero faces a decision between what would feel right and what would be right.  Either choice bodes tough consequences!  "Old Steelfist" is scheduled to appear on January 9, 2006.

Two stories will receive Honorable Mention, both close competition for our winners.  "Music for the Soul" by columnist Pam L. Wallace is a solid coming of age story.  "A Quiet Calling" by R. V. Saunders illustrates the power of finding one's calling and the power that living it can provide.  These stories will appear on January 2 and January 5.

This contest, The Sword Review's first, provided stiff competition among the entrants.  Since the entries were devoid of any information that might identify the authors, I am sure the judges will share my surprise to learn that the Honorable Mentions went to two of our team members—a columnist and one of our poetry editors.  Judges were disqualified from entering the contest, but we thought it would be fun to allow anyone else, team member or otherwise, to enter.

We are already looking forward to next year's contest, as well as discussing the possibility of doing a poetry contest to end mid-year.  In the mean time, sit back and enjoy the rest of issue 9, have a merry Christmas, and look forward to January and seeing the 2005 Fiction Contest winners!