Winning Authors - 2005 Story Contest

Gertie Poole

Gertie Poole lives in Jacksonville, Fl. with her husband James and daughter Tiffany. She started writing in 2002 when she completed a computer course for the blind at the Florida Community College of Jax that enabled her to write using a screen reader. “I enjoyed writing about Lucky; he was my best friend for so long and now he's a hero again by helping me to win this contest and perhaps be published for the first time. I didn't wish to make anyone sad with this story, but it did truly happen and it was a comforting feeling to think that someday, I'll see Lucky again.” Read Going Home

Donna Zeilman

Donna Zeilman is a thirty-eight year old Registered Nurse who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing Communications and Anthropology. She has been rescuing and sharing her home with stray animals all of her life. An avid reader and hiker, Donna lives with her husband, stepson, two dogs, two iguanas and cat in Paulsboro, New Jersey, where she is helping remodel her eighty-five year old ancestral home. Read Not Looking for Trouble