As submissions continue to roll in for our 2024 Writing Contest, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on some of our brilliant former winners.
Let’s hear from our 2016 winner, Jennie Ford.
Where do you live? Canton, NC
What year did you win the Storyshares writing contest? 2016
Tell us about your book. Romeo and Me is a tale of two children, Caroline is white and Romeo is black. They grow up on Caroline's grandfather's farm. Every summer their days were spent together playing, dreaming and telling stories. They seem to have a perfect world. As they get older they learn that the world is different off the little farm. They learn that the world can be cruel and hateful.
How did you find out about the contest? Romeo and Me was the second story that i had entered into the contest. The year before I entered, In The Pines, which was given an honorable mention. I think I had seen the information on the internet, but honestly cannot remember what site or how! It has been quite a few years.
What gave you the idea for your story? I grew up in the sixties and seventies in a farming community in eastern NC. I remember watching the news in the evening with my parents. I saw the turmoil in our country, the riots, the fight over integration of schools. I couldn't understand why. My white friends and my black friends were the same. We were just children. We were just friends.
What made you want to participate in the contest? I truly believed in the mission that Louise was striving for. Interesting, age appropriate books for struggling and english learning students. The library was so needed and it was a privilege to be a part of it. After the first contest, i was hooked. I have continued to contribute and hope to for many years.
How has your life changed since winning the Storyshares contest? It has given me confidence in continuing my writing journey. It is still such a joy to see my words printed and hopefully my words will inspire a student and help a student realize the love of reading.
Where can we find you? Instagram
Jennie’s book, Romeo and Me, is ideal for striving middle and high school readers. It can be found in our eLibrary, as well as part of our Best of Storyshares Middle School Paperback Bundle in our shop.