Congratulations to Anya Shulman ’23, who earlier this year won the “Twisted Tales” writing challenge sponsored by the Young Writers group based in Peabody, Massachusetts. Students 13-18 years old were charged with writing a horrific story from the point of view of the villain in 100 words or less. Recognized as a Young Writers “Top Writer,” here’s her winning entry, published online and in the “Twisted Tales” printed anthology:

Her silhouette sunken into the cinder block seat, hair matted, and her clothes frayed. I watch her finish the task. The needle ruptures the fabric and pricks her finger. Blood trickles down the arm.
I watch her anticipate her stagger to the top step. She reaches the door and knocks. The slot screeches open and two blazing blue eyes peer through the opening. The light cascades into mudded darkness and momentarily I bask in light rays.
She motions to my injury. “Darling, blood is but a product of hard work, let mommy go back upstairs and finish your sewing.”

Anya’s participation in the Young Writers writing contest was through her Creative Writing class, taught by English Department Chair Jennifer Babcock.

Learn more about the writing contest at https://delvalmag.org/1256/short-fiction/twisted-tales-october-2022-writing-contest and about Young Writers at https://youngwritersusa.com