Janie Ruth Ryals Golden Award

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This competition has now been closed. Thank you all so much for your support and participation.


Below is a list of all Golden Award Recipients:

March 2009

In my opinion, a poem should be flexible in thought, open to interpretation and not caged by formality. It should be filled with colorful imagery and relatable symbolism and carried with an enigmatic sense of style. No one should ever have to ask the meaning behind a poem, because it isn’t defined alone by the writer, but also by the reader’s interpretation gained through their own individual emotion and memory. It’s different for everyone, and to me, this is what makes a poem so special -- this chameleon-like quality.

ID: 1125844   (Rated: E) The Keeper  The similarities of an old chair and an old person, dusted with time. by BlüEyez

February 2009

Nonfiction bulletins and articles are typically the bread and butter for most professional writers, and there is a huge market for meticulously researched, informative and well-written nonfiction. One of our very own WDC authors, RobiMediaExcellenceAwardWinner does this exceptionally well in her articles that delve into the subject of outdoor activities, such as tennis. Her writing is well-researched and clearly laid out, and I loved the personal “hook” in the beginning paragraphs, where she pulled in a relatable instance involving a friend who is battling breast cancer.

ID: 1465714   (Rated: E) Tennis, Everyone?  Why tennis is important to your community & how you can acquire funding to build courts by RobiMediaExcellenceAwardWinner

January 2009

A poem should capture emotion through imagery and sensual elements. Some even tell a story, as this one so beautifully does. The chosen form, if there is one, should be so subtle that it takes the reader a moment to even realize it’s there, and when they do, they feel an impressive rush, because it is so impressive when a poet does all of these things and follows a challenging form to boot! flex has done this beautifully with this piece, thereby winning the first Golden ticket, awarded in 2009.

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October 2008

A true poet captures the reader through a careful construction of romanticism, and all poetry is indeed romantic despite whatever the subject matter may be. This particular piece is reminiscent of the late 16th century poets and envelops a delightful flow using words which appeal to our sense of history while reflecting our present day feelings. Not many have the ability to capture this beautiful Shakespearean quality while keeping a sense of emotional carriage. So October 2008’s Golden Award, the last to be awarded this year, goes to Gabriella , a writer I hold as exemplifying the truest of poets.

ID: 1084361   (Rated: E) My Mirror, My Loyal Heart Doth Show  The verse and language inspired by Shakespeare. by Gabriella

September 2008

Again, this is an author who hasn’t received a whole lot of attention nor recognition. I found this story many months ago while poking around WDC and absolutely fell in love with it. It’s such a clever fantasy piece about a boy who meets a girl with many pet peeves. The story carries you in, bating you with every word, and you find yourself even sensing the feel of these furry little things who seem so lovable and harmless. So September’s Golden Award goes to aconicalbathtub . Please take a look at this story and I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I did.

ID: 1339675   (Rated: 13+) Keeping  Some people keep cats or dogs. Some people keep goldfish. Moira keeps pet peeves. by aconicalbathtub

August 2008

Every once in a while, when you look around in the far corners of WDC, you’ll find great talent that has received little attention or recognition, like this author. I was enchanted by many pieces I found in his port but I’ve chosen to award this piece for it’s imaginative, clever quality. It’s a story told from the perspective of the animals living in Africa. It’s witty, entertaining and even educational with certain statistical facts thrown into the story. So the Golden Globe for August (yes, I know I’m a tad behind) goes to K. S. Reetz . Please visit his port and take a look around.

ID: 898439   (Rated: 13+) The Great Lion-Elephant Debate...  Misfortune on the plains of Africa. You have to feel some sympathy for the elephants. by K. S. Reetz

July 2008

It’s stories like these that remind us how powerful the human spirit really is; to be in love with someone long passed and spend time with their ghost by way of a simple cassette tape. I felt my own heart breaking with the twist at the end. I’ve read a few items by this author today, and was truly struck by her ability to completely drive her readers into an infatuation for her characters. Her narration is so natural, honest, and so incredibly human. Not toppled over with dramatics at all, and the appeal to the stories is magnetically charged. So July 2008’s Golden Award goes to AdrianaCB . Check out her port. It’s literary quality and I promise you won’t be disappointed.

ID: 1081733   (Rated: E) Johnny  A young woman visits an elderly woman and learns a little about love. by AdrianaCB

June 2008

Comedy writing is best carried when the scene is described perfectly, the dialogue is crisp and the timing is right on. In this story, pauluk does all three quite brilliantly. The initial scene is described in superbly shocking detail, setting the humorous tone of this piece. The dialogue is natural, all inclusive of realistic stammering or pausing for effect, typically found when people speak in real life. The analogies used in this story are also quite effective as well, allowing the reader to not only imagine the scene, but feel as though he/she is actively participating in the story, laughing out loud all the way to the punchline.

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May 2008

At only 21 years of age, May's recipient is a young lady who has proven that a tremendous talent for writing is sometimes gifted as well as practiced. She has shown great zeal in tackling any poetry form, and does so with such wonderful style and flow. The below poem demonstrates this beautifully, as well as everything else in her port. Please check out Ghostranch 's writing of yourself, and you'll see what I mean.

ID: 1405899   (Rated: 13+) In The Moonlight  First attempt at the Grossblank form. A mysterious, romantic poem. by Ghostranch

April 2008

April's recipient of the Golden Award is new to WDC. Dr. James is an up and coming writer of both poetry and prose, though it was his poetry that caught this writer's attention. This particular poem captures the essence of a story so well in its description of setting as well as beautiful imagery and metaphoric language, all within the ambience of a carefully-constructed flow and structure within the piece as well as the symbolism of its geometrical shape (an icicle).

ID: 1399678   (Rated: E) Indifferent Cares  A poem about two persons reconciling the irreconcilable by Starting over...!

March 2008

Tornado Day continues to astonish me with her ability to write exceptional poetry. She's had several poetry books published, one of which I've had the opportunity to read. Each piece is absolutely brilliant. Her writing is rich with vivid imagery and emotional verse and it allows the reader great ease in applying their own special meanings. I love this piece in particular. It really touches me.

ID: 1393440   (Rated: E) Rich with rain  sweet ambrosia dusting by Tornado Day

February 2008

We've all heard of mastery, haven't we? His name is a regular mainstay in the first place winners position of many contests out here. He's a brilliant poet but it's his prose that I've chosen to award this morning. I am delighted to find that he is currently writing a memoir detailing his life growing up in foster care. Here, he has effectively captured the emotional barings of his readers through use of a narration that is down-to-earth, engaging and naturally spoken from the perspective of a child tormented by abuse. A beautifully written piece.

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January 2008

This is an incredible piece, written from the perspective of a soldier who fought in the Vietnam War. The initial paragraphs were absolutely breathtaking with emotion. The dialogue is very natural and the use of sensory elements throughout is so superbly done. The ending envelops a nice tribute to our fallen soldiers. SonofDrogo is truly an amazing author. Check out his port and see if you don't agree.

ID: 1217975   (Rated: GC) Black Ice  A vet relives 31 January, 1968 by SonofDrogo

December 2007

December's recipient was chosen for her incredible storytelling ability. In all of her writings, she manages to envelop just enough sensory detail, imagery and even humor to keep the reader craving more. I especially enjoyed this piece because it really captures not only the smells, sounds and visuals of a marathon, but also the competitiveness of it and the sheer glory when it is finished. Check out her other works as well. They are sure to entertain.

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November 2007

This first recipient was chosen for his excellence in the teaching of others. His book, which entails the research of different forms, terms, and devices in the world of poetry, is recommended for both the novice and seasoned poet alike. And he's a wonderful poet himself! Check out "Invalid Item"  or "Invalid Item"  and see if you don't agree!

ID: 1192227   (Rated: 13+) Researching Poetry  Research for different forms terms and devices in the world of poetry. By Larry Powers. by Brenpoet praying for Lucy

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