FICTION IN A NUTSHELL

Rochelle Hale

Several weeks ago we asked our readers (those with an active imagination and a knack for writing) to put their creative juices to work in the Acorn's newest contest, "Fiction in a Nutshell." The response was gratifying, as more than 25 entries were submitted. The stories, limited to 100 words, covered a wide range of topics: science fiction, romance, comedy and adventure. We had animals, emotions, danger and despair- and somewhere there's a novel in there. Entries were judged on writing style, creativity and story line. The first-place winners will each receive a $50 prize. To all the contestants we say "thank you." Rochelle

Hale

Simi Valley homemaker Rochelle Hale, 54, is a mother of five and a grandmother of 12.

An English major, Hale said she has always enjoyed writing and got her creative side from her mother, who was involved in community theater "for as long as I can remember."

Ben Howell

"I use my imagination a lot," said Hale, whose untitled short story won over Acorn judges with its imagery and originality.

"I think I just had a seen a version of 'Cinderella' on TV and it just came to me," she said. "Literally, I got the idea, went to the computer and wrote it down."

A native of Los Angeles, Hale has lived in Simi Valley for the past 18 years with her husband, Marlund. She is a volunteer at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

When asked if she ever considered taking up fiction writing seriously, Hale replied, "I've thought about it. I just really haven't done anything with it. Maybe I should."
The Acorn's Fiction in a Nutshell Under18 winner Ben Howell said the idea for his winning short, "Exploding Enchiladas," came to him in his sleep.

"I had a dream about the war in Iraq that was just incredible, so I thought it would be really cool to write a story about it. But I knew I couldn't use violence so I thought of my favorite food- Mexican food- and came up with 'Exploding Enchiladas' instead."

A fifthgrader at Arroyo Elementary School, 10year-old Ben is a passionate reader and writer, two characteristics he picked up from his parents, Gina and Mickey Howell.

"We are avid readers. We read books together as a family," Gina said. "He read Harry Potter No. 7 all by himself. He loves to read. He's always been a creative sort."

Ben said he would like to be an author when he grows up.

"I love writing. If I'm bored and I don't have anything to do, I pick up a pencil and a pad and start writing," Ben said.

Ben's younger sister, Eleanor, also submitted an entry for the Acorn' s contest.

FIRSTPLACE Over 18

Untitled

The moon rose above the mall as they entered. How she wished they could linger in its ambience, but they were on a mission. The shelves were already filled with Halloween costumes and Christmas toys. The pumpkins reminded him of harvest time on his grandfather's farm. Her dreams were of glass slippers, proms and her wedding day. Seeing the gleam in her eye and knowing her tender heart, he knew the choice had to be hers. Owning no pumpkin coach of their own, they walked home arm in arm clutching the clear, plastic dress-up shoes for their little girl. Rochelle Hale Simi Valley

FIRSTPLACE Under 18

Exploding Enchiladas

"Boom!" My firey ball of hot sauce collided with my opponent's helmet. With a malicious grin he summoned an army tank, "1. 2. 3. Fire!" Hopefully, I gazed skyward expecting to see a rescue plane. And then several things happened in a very short amount of time. Plates of scalding rice and beans showered me, an enchilada exploded on my lower back, and the next thing that I could remember I was falling out of my bed. When I got downstairs I was relieved not to see tortillas sitting on my breakfast plate. Ben Howell, 10 Simi Valley

RUNNER UP Over 18

Letter to a Friend

I like you very much, and I need you, I really do. I wish you didn't have to go away so soon all the time. You are in and out of my life almost daily. Sometimes I get a lot of you, and sometimes you stop coming around all together. I try to do the right things to keep you safe and near, but the world just seems to always be tugging at you. I really do appreciate you and how you've helped me get things. I'm very grateful. I just wish you would show me more interest. Bye, money. Lisa Parker Simi Valley

RUNNER UP Under 18

Untitled

Once upon a time there was a mouse who lived in a house. One day, he crawled out of his little hole, into the kitchen. There he saw a jar with bright colors in it. He did not know what was inside of it. Then he saw a broom in the corner and saw it was in the right place for him to climb up to the countertop. Then he could take a better look at the jar. He slipped the lid open and saw marbles! He was so excited, took one to bed and slept with it under his pillow. Joseph Ritter, 8 Simi Valley

HONORABLE MENTION Over 18

My Beautiful House

Mary was depressed as she scanned the home improvement flyers. She sadly regarded her old carpet, worn furniture and outdated kitchen. She was divorced and money was scarce. She was envious of her neighbor's new windows and new lush landscaping. She hated her house.

The doorbell sounded. Two women from a charity came to collect canned goods. "Wow," exclaimed one. "Your home is so lovely!"

"Yes," agreed another, "it is beautiful."

Afterwards, Mary looked around her house with their eyes. She liked what she saw. Betty Evans Simi Valley

HONORABLE MENTION Under 18

Silent Corpse

Touch me so that I know I am real. I hear a whisper in my ear, and I wonder if I could hear, then I would fall into a deep sleep. Close my eyes past eternity and dream a thousand dreams. Who would ever wake my sleeping corpse? I want to sleep for all eternity and never wake to the pain again. Who would ever want me awake when I'm perfect in my sleeping world? I fall asleep and die a thousand times in my thousand dreams to stay immune to the pain I feel. I don't want to know love or hate again. Who would ever wake a silent corpse? I want to be the silent one. Amanda Seghi, 17 Simi Valley