A Winners- The A-Z of Unusual Words

As someone who hits refresh on contest announcement days, I owe you all an apology. We have been an illness-laden household this week and I couldn't put the time into this that I wanted until now. (Unfortunately, this is because I am writing this from my own sick bed...)

Nine talented writers took on my Letter A challenge. I had the privilege of reading some very thoughtful, beautiful pieces. I encourage anyone reading this to spend time discovering every single one.

Before I announce the winners, take a look at the list of entries (in alphabetical order). Discover for yourself why they are worth a read (and a follow).

Click the embedded link in the title for each story. Read the brilliance for yourself.

Abbozzo, Katarzyna Popiel

Discover a romantic interlude wrapped within an Italian art history lesson.

Ablutions, Hannah Moore

This vocabulary lesson is wrapped within a charming piece of family history.

Aboulomania, DK Shepard

This is a well-deserved top story and lyrical look into a state of indecision.

Abscission, Mackenzie Davis

This emotionally compelling poetry is worth a read.

Abyssopelagic, Mackenzie Davis

Discover this thoughtful tapestry woven from tiny. specific details.

Acritochromacy, Dana Crandall

This is an earnest message of inclusion.

Androgynous, Mike Singleton

This is a great commentary on a theme/movement in music history.

Anemology, Rachel Deeming

This piece portrays an inspiring love of a natural phenomenon.

Anteleucan, Paul Stewart

This was a great word and a window into a stolen bubble of time.

The Winners...

This was an incredibly difficult choice to make. I had to read them several times to make a decision. I learned some wonderful words, read great personal stories and discovered some thoughtful commentaries from like-minded souls with an affinity for language.

The poems and microfictions/microessays were lovely, compelling, and right on theme.

In the category of best word/word connection, the honors go to Hannah Moore for Ablutions. Her connection to the word took a mundane daily ritual and turned it into a ceremony that ties her to generations past and present.

The winning poem/microfiction transported me to a beautiful world with thoughtfully chosen language. It takes a rare talent to take a dreaded state of anxiety and frame it in a place of serene, mindful beauty. Congratulations to DK Shepard for Aboulomania.

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If you missed out on this challenge, catch up! I will put an updated link to the currently open letter on the challenge introduction page, right at the top. I accept late entries if you want to try for all 26 contests. I'm thinking about some kind of final contest with a category just for completionists, but I haven't worked out the details.

Thanks again for all the inspiration, entrants!