Beach Writer’s contest winners announced

North Wildwood’s sixth annual Beach Writers Conference was held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 4 and 5, at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
The conference featured 13 authors and other writers who spoke on the various facets of writing and publication, such as, “Happy Endings—Finishing What You Start,” “Ten Mistakes That Writers Make—And Then Some,” “Working With An Editor,” “The Art of The Book Pitch,” and “Writing The Chapter Book For Children.”
It was the second year that the conference included a writing contest. Angela Marsh of Wilton, Conn., daughter of the late North Wildwood Councilman Anthony Visalli, won the essay contest for her essay, “Seeing China Through The Wall,” and Stephen M. Heck of Middle Township won for his poem, “If A Tree Falls.” Both were awarded prizes of $100.
Marsh, a lawyer who has turned to writing, wrote her essay after she returned from a visit to China. She has written a mystery, “Zero Exit,” largely based in Cape May, for which she is now seeking a publisher.
Heck, a retired distribution center manager for an international industrial parts company, wrote his poem two months ago. He also has written five short stories, which he hopes to have published by next year’s conference.
This was their first Beach Writers conference, and both said the high caliber of speakers enabled them to bring home something that will enhance their new careers in writing.
Second prize of $50 in the essay division went to Gerri George of Wynewood, Pa. and third prize of $25 to Alice Mietz of Medford.
Second prizewinner in the poetry segment was awarded to Don Mortensen of Roselle. Winner of Infinity Publishing Company’s $700 door prize toward the publication of his book, “Inquisition of Sarah Beaux,” was John T. Kammer of Cape May.