Winner: The Threadbare Heart Contest

Last Sunday, I announced a terrific Mother's Day Writing Contest! Jennie Nash, author of THE THREADBARE HEART, partnered with some book bloggers to offer the chance for one lucky person to win the grand prize of a "book club in a box." She also graciously offered that the individual winners from each blog would receive a copy of her latest novel THE THREADBARE HEART. To enter, all you had to do was submit a 250 word essay on your favorite fictional mother-daughter pair.

I'm happy to announce that the winner of an autographed copy of THE THREADBARE HEART is Melissa Rush! Here's her winning essay:

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FICTIONAL MOTHER-DAUGHTER PAIR?

My favorite fictional Mother-Daughter pair is Katherine and Karsen Woods in FAMILY PIECES (an unpublished novel). Twenty-one year old Karsen loves her Midwestern family, although she can’t quite understand why her mother doesn’t care for her boyfriend of two years. When Katherine’s unexpected death leaves Karsen looking for a missing necklace charm, she soon discovers a family secret that deepens her understanding of both her mother and of what being a mother means.

These characters mean the world to me as I spent two years creating them. As any writer knows, writing is not always effortless. During these years, a twelve week ultra sound left me grieving after finding there was no heart beat and the second pregnancy left my blue, lifeless son in my arms minutes after delivery; then on a helicopter on life support while I was left behind.

Determined to finish my manuscript, Karsen provided a much needed release from reality. I may never see my characters brought to publication, but I can watch my now 7 month old boy flourish and feel blessed that I’ve accomplished more than any writing dream I could have imagined.

My neighborhood book club has been meeting monthly for almost eight years. We’d welcome a call from Jennie anytime! And for the rum cake, I might have to eat that all by myself.

Ms. Nash will announce the grand prize winner on her website within the next week. Congratulations to Melissa and Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there!