Justin Hunsperger Named Winner of 2nd Annual Short Story Contest
The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum has announced the winners of its 2nd Annual Short Fiction contest. Justin Lee Hunsperger of the University of Central Arkansas won first place for his story “Coming Home,” which the judge said “is a wonderfully written piece that illuminates the familial struggles of addictions of all sorts and the pains they bring to families.” Hunsperger is a junior mid-level education major, with an emphasis on language arts and science. He is a native of Missouri and spent nine years as a combat medic.
Sheree Hackworth of Lyon College and Logan Hilliard of the University of Arkansas were runners-up for the prize. Joining Hunsperger, Hackworth, and Hilliard on the shortlist are La’Teaikia Alexander (University of Arkansas), Keith Laster (University of Arkansas), Kelby Newcomb (Lyon College), and M. Jackson Tyler (John Brown University).
The contest was judged by Roland Mann, a writer, editor, speaker, and professor. He is best known for co-creating and writing the comic series Cat & Mouse. As editor, Roland is best known for his work at Malibu/Marvel Comics where he edited a host of titles. He also served as Editor and Publisher of Silverline. In addition to his work in comics, Roland has been a newspaper editor, and more recently he teaches Creative Writing at the university level. He is also a frequent speaker at writing workshops/conferences. His first novel, Buying Time, was published in 2010. Roland can be found on his website www.rolandmann.me.
The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Short Fiction Contest is open to undergraduate students at public and private institutions in the state of Arkansas.
