Christina Conrad: Mentress Moon

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In the realm of contemporary literature, the name Christina Conrad stands a beacon of inspiration and leadership through her acclaimed Mentress Moon initiative. Each year, the Mentress Moon shines the spotlight on emerging talents in both fiction and poetry, culminating in a list of exceptional finalists. Let’s delve into the 2006 finalists and explore the mosaic of stories and verses that have etched their mark on the world of words.

2006 Finalists in Fiction

Exploring Varied Narratives

The 2006 fiction category boasted a cornucopia of narrative marvels, each uniquely enthralling and thought-provoking. These stories stood out not only for their literary prowess but also for their compelling insights into the human condition.

Distorted Realities and Haunting Melodies

Tabitha West's "C Sharp" from Eclectica carved out a tale intertwining music with a journey of personal discovery. V.C. Nash's "Unplugged" from Melic Review stripped down the fabric of technology to weave a story on simplicity and connection.

A Gaze Into Society's Reflective Lenses

Gene Justice’s "Lash" from poeticdiversity and Eve Stern’s "Longing for Pangea" from Blue Fifth Review offered readers a raw look at the intricacies of relationships and social yearning. Meanwhile, Lisa PLantico Carlsson’s "Dog Out of Water" from Mosaic Minds presented a narrative on displacement and identity.

The Haunting Wonders of Storytelling

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Mary Lynn Reed’s "Existential Thread from the Cheap Seats" from Summerset Review and Crispin Oduobuk’s "Petrovesk and Polarbywall" from 42 Opus took readers on literary journeys marked by deep explorations of existence and surreal encounters.

The Intricacies of Human Dynamics

Eric R. Sysak's "Crow" from 42 Opus, Alan Rossi's "Homecoming King" from Juked, and Peter Wild's "Her Stick Figure" from Noo Journal brilliantly dissected the complex layers of emotion and memory, leaving a lasting impression on their audiences.

2006 Finalists in Poetry

Verse that Speaks Volumes

Poetry in 2006 reached new heights with an array of poets lending their voices to craft verses that resonate deeply with readers, imbuing them with their wisdom, pain, and beauty.

The Liberating Power of Verse

Laura Jensen’s "The Right to be Educated" from Salt River Review and Tess Gallagher’s "The Women of Auschwitz" from the same publication presented the power of poetry to liberate and haunt in equal measure. Brandon Shimoda's "Lake the Twelfth" from Eucalyptus depicted spellbinding imagery that transports the reader.

Globally Infused Lyrical Journeys

Grzegorz Wroblewski’s "The Business Trip" from Eclectica and Sam Byfield’s "Street Scene" provided windows into diverse landscapes and cultures, each penned with meticulous attention to the texture of experience.

A Reflection on Life's Simplest Moments

Michael Battram’s "Painball Loser" from The Barefoot Muse and Arlene Ang's "Scrying sand" from FRiGG offered up poetic reflections on life's simple, yet profound moments. Moreover, Patricia Bostian’s "Winter Soltice" from Boxcar Poetry Review brought forth the cyclic nature of existence.

Intimacies Exposed

Carrie St. George Comer’s "Don't Let Me Forget You" from Born Magazine and Jeanne Murray Walker’s "Geese, Tree, Apple, Leaves" from kaleidowhirl tenderly peeled back layers of intimate thoughts and connections, drawing readers into private worlds.

Unifying the Spirit of Travel

The essence of travel is not solely found in physical journeys across great distances, but also in the travels of the mind, embarked through the pages of brilliant narratives and verse. The works of the 2006 finalists, carefully curated by Christina Conrad’s Mentress Moon, offer gateways to myriad landscapes and timeframes, inviting the reader to traverse worlds carved from the potent alchemy of words. Just as travel expands the horizons of the traveler, these selected works in fiction and poetry grant a broadened perspective, an enriched understanding, and a universal connectivity to the human spirit that transpires across all borders.