The Whidbey Island Writers Association announces and congratulates the winners of the Whidbey Island Writers Association’s The Spirit of Writing 2012 competition.

Children’s and Young Adult Literature

1. “Jump! by Judi Nyerges, Langley

2. “Blue’s Shoes” by Diane McCleod, Langley

3. (tie) “Miracle on Fifth” by Pam Formeller, Coupeville

“I Miss my Sister” by Beth Nehring, Langley

Memoir

1. “Facing Diminishment” by Sharon J. Betcher, Langley

2. “The Philosophy of Fish” by Eleadari Acheson, Clinton

3. “Even Messiahs Have Parents” by Allan Ament, Freeland

Non-fiction Essay

1. “Why I Run” by Shannon Walker, Clinton

2. “Smilie Kylie” by Carolyn Tamler, Greenbank

3. “The Dogs of Bhutan” by Dianne Shiner, Freeland

Short Fiction

1. “Naptime” by Eleadari Acheson, Clinton

2. “Feet First” by Katherine Ericson, Clinton

3. “The Sparrow” by William Xander, Langley

Poetry

1. “A Woman’s Hands” by Eleadari Acheson, Clinton

2.  “ The Poetry of Houses” by Martha McCartney, Coupeville

3. “Berry Battle” by Barb Bland, Oak Harbor

Readings by the winning authors will be presented during January.

Readings are set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 at the Coupeville Library; 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Langley Library; 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Clinton Community Hall; 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Oak Harbor Library.

In addition, “In the Spirit of Writing 2012,” a collection of the works listed above, will be available for purchase at the readings, which are free and open to the public.