IRON COUNTY MAN WINS PUBLICATION PRIZE IN CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST

David Lee, from Paragonah, Iron County, has been awarded the $5,000 Publication Prize in the annual Utah Arts Council Creative Writing Competition.

Lee's book, "Day's Work," is a continuation of his poetic saga about John, pigs and the universe, a series that began with "Porcine Legacy" and "Porcine Canticles."In all, 28 writers were chosen as winners from some 400 entrants. Prize money totaled $14,000.

Winners were from all over Utah, including Santa Clara, Logan, Provo, Price and Moab.

The competition has become one of the most prestigious in the region. Submissions go through a blind judging by some of the finest literary minds in the country. Past judges for the contest include Robert Penn Warren, poets Richard Eberhardt and William Stafford, and Newbery Award-winning children's writer Paul Fleischman.

All residents of Utah are eligible for the competition. For information about the contest, this year's winners or the Arts Council itself write to the Utah Arts Council at 617 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84102.

Here's a rundown of finishers:

NOVEL:

First, Nicole Stansbury; second Dave Bean.

BIOGRAPHY/AUTOBIOGRAPHY:

First, Kathleen Bardole; second, Norma S. Davis; honorable mention, Jim Ure.

YOUNG ADULT BOOK:

First, Louise Plummer; second, Gloria Skurzynski; honorable mention, Lyman Hafen.

POETRY:

First, Michael D. White; second, Philip Watson; honorable mention (in order), Janet Sylvester, Timothy Liu, Evelyn Van Wagoner, Jan C. Minich, Dyan Elizabeth Sublett.

SHORT STORY (single):

First, Margaret Young; second, Michael Arnow; honorable mention, Debra Monroe and A. Lee Foote. SHORT STORY (Collection):

First, Maragret Young; second, Pamela Houston; honorable mention, Carolyn Campbell and Thomas A. Green.

PERSONAL ESSAY:

First, Kate Clark Spencer; second, Jean Arment; honorable mention, Patricia McConnel and Jillyn Smith.