If you could see me now, my feet are not touching the ground. Nor have they been since I learned my short story, “Lila’s Song,” won first place in The LAURA Short Fiction Awards at the Women Writing the West annual virtual conference in October. The award is named in honor of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Women Writing the West is an international organization of writers and other professionals who write and promote writing about the West with emphasis on the experiences of western women and girls. I am proud to be a member of this prestigious organization. The recognition is thrilling and humbling.
My story was inspired by a visit last fall to the only active stagecoach stop remaining on the Santa Fe Trail, the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm, two miles from my home in Olathe, Kansas. Standing in the basement kitchen I pictured a young girl serving travelers on their journey westward during the heyday of the Santa Fe Trail. One of the judges commented, “This narrative takes the reader into the heart and mind of a young female protagonist as she struggles with personal adversity and an almost numbing set of difficulties. It delivers a realistic and fascinating glimpse into (Lila’s) determination to make a better life for herself.”
You can read “Lila’s Song” here: https://www.womenwritingthewest.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-Lilas-Song-by-Jane-Perry.pdf
It’s fabulous!
That’s great. Can’t wait to read it. I shared your honor with my book club.
Congratulations, Jane!!!
Thank you Cindy for reading and sending positive thoughts to me along the way. They are much appreciated! One of these days we’ll get together to laugh and hug and catch up 🙂 Be well!
Jane this is so wonderful! So excited for you. I know you are very deserving of this award and I am eager to read it.! Congratulations!!
Congratulations Jane. You are so deserving of this award. Your stories are captivating and truly breathe life into American history for us all.
Congratulations Jane! What an honor!
Many blessings,
Gayle
Enjoyed! I didn’t want it to end! Thanks to Betsy for sharing!
Jane, you are so talented. Keep on writing…I love your stories.
This was a truly enjoyable read. You have the ability to make the story come alive! Thank you Betsy for sharing.
Thank you for your kind words, Shay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. It was fun to write it 🙂
You truly make the story come alive.
Friend of Betsy’s