'Fiction in a Nutshell'

Shivani Govil Several weeks ago we asked our readers, those with active imaginations and a flair for writing, to put their creative juices to work in the Camarillo Acorn's newest contest, "Fiction in a Nutshell." The response was gratifying; more than 30 entries were submitted. The stories, limited to 100 words, covered a wide range of topics: science fiction, romance, comedy and adventure. There were tales about animals, emotions, danger and despair- and somewhere among them there's probably a novel. Entries were judged on style, creativity and story line. First-place winners will each receive a $50 prize. To all the contestants we say "thank you."

FIRST PLACE

A Theme Park on Saturn Under 18 years

Ms. Kantor said, "Today we will learn about the eight planets." I heard Ms.Kantor talk about Saturn's rings and many moons. While my teacher was talking, I was daydreaming. Saturn's wonderful rings must be thrilling roller coaster rides and its moons must be the revolving castles. Saturn would be a perfect place for a theme park in space. I would create a space shuttle that will take people to Saturn in the blink of an eye. I was having the best time of my life when the school bell rang and it was time to go home. Shivani Govil, Camarillo age 9 Over 18 years A Story of Little Consequence

She was attracted to his awkwardness, body and speech. She constructed an idea of him: pretty, though not a true likeness. He was lonely, so he talked. She wasn't and felt no need to. Thus they were well enough matched. She didn't judge him his peculiarities, and he gave very little thought to her. When he did, it was only of her attention to him. She had gifted him a slight confidence, and felt she had made happiness for a lonely boy. It was not remarkable. It was not worthy of remembrance. It simply was, for four hours that summer.

Liz Bullock, Camarillo age 21

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

According to her dad, Ravi Govil, 9-year-old Shivani Govil is more artist than writer.

But that didn't keep the Camarillo resident from submitting her 100-word story about a daydreaming student to the Camarillo Acorn Fiction in a Nutshell contest.

The La Mariposa Elementary School fourth-grader won first place in the 18 and under category for her creative story that turned the rings of Saturn into roller coasters and its moons into "revolving castles".

Shivani also won the Best Speaker Award at this year's speech tournament hosted by the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation. She enjoys puzzles and math, is a Girl Scout, and plans to start playing soccer next year.

Liz Bullock, a 21-year-old Camarillo resident, said the idea of writing a story in 100 words or less seemed impossible to her.

But the Moorpark College student said she was able to whittle down the second draft of her entry, "A Story of Little Consequence," to meet the contest's 100-word maximum.

Studying multimedia at Moorpark College, Bullock said she doesn't think of herself as much of a writer and was surprised to hear she had won first place in the Camarillo Acorn Fiction in a Nutshell Contest's over-18 category.

Bullock's timeless short story can be interpreted in a number of ways and also lends itself to the rhythmic cadence of poetry.

- Daniel Wolowicz

HONORABLE MENTION

Under 18 A Very Real Bad Dream

It was all very much like a bad dream. Smoke billowed through the windows as flames licked up the walls destroying all we knew and cared about. I looked around in horror trying to take it all in, but there was no time to think.. "Hurry," a panicked JoAnn shouted with a slight push toward the door. Meg let out a small yelp as our large family photo was consumed. I grabbed Cara and ran. We all darted outside just as the doorway crumbled. Little Cara sobbed; there we stood, four sisters watching our beloved home go up in smoke.

Justine Sizemore, Camarillo age 11

Over 18

Mocha Mayhem

Silence suddenly enveloped the coffee shop where I sipped latte with friends. I saw a man in a ski mask pointing a pistol at the counter girl. Four teenaged boys near the door eyed each other and poured their whipped mocha on the floor. The robber took the money and backed away from the counter. The slippery ooze made him look at his feet. The boys jumped him and held him down. When the police arrivedthey ushered the slimy crook out. The crowd applauded as the manager gave each of the grinning boys a year-long gift certificate.

Susan Hardy, Camarillo age 72