Demon Tattler Editor Wins Writing Contest

Santa Fe High junior Sierra Sweeney won first place in the Santa Fe New Mexican’s Pasatiempo teen prose-writing contest in December.

“I was so excited, I went running to tell my parents,” Sierra said. “My mom immediately called every relative and sent copies to everyone. I was a little embarrassed but proud nonetheless.”

Sierra’s short story “Natural Disaster Dancer” was selected from approximately 300 entries.

“I based the story off of a lot of strong women in my life, including my mom.,” Sierra explained. “It’s about a young girl in a situation where she feels out of place, which I think a lot of people can relate to. I hope the development of courage in my character Nora can mean something for others.”

Sierra enjoys writing and considers it a potential career choice in the future. “I like to write because I enjoy the fact that I can create something entirely my own,” she said. “And also, books have had a lot of impact on my life and I would love to do the same for others.”

Several of Sierra’s teachers have expressed their pride in her.

“Sierra is extraordinary,” said Ms. Gerber, Sierra’s journalism and AP English teacher. “She is genuinely moved by literature, by writers and their voices, and she has an excellent sense for what is good and what is trash. She also has abundant natural talent, coupled with the drive to grow.”

Her creative writing and freshman English teacher Mr. Kavanagh said, “I cannot overstate this enough: Sierra is largely the reason why I rethought the one-year poetry elective into a class that would serve Santa Fe High’s storytellers as well. Her commitment to her craft is humbling, and the piece she submitted confirms the talent I’ve gotten to enjoy for three years running.”

The story can be found here: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/pasatiempo/books/writing_contest/teen-prose-first-place-natural-disaster-dancer-by-sierra-r/article_79acc6ac-0f3b-5c19-ac86-29411e595d93.html