Judging is in Progress! – “Imagination Begins with You…” 2024 HS Writing Contest (14th Annual)

We are now in the process of reading the great entries for 2024. The winner will be announced in May! Celebrating our 14th year of the annual “Imagination Begins with You…” high school writing contest. You can entry by clicking here to go directly to the contest entry form. Contest Description: Short story, less than … Continue reading Judging is in Progress! – “Imagination Begins with You…” 2024 HS Writing Contest (14th Annual)

Dutch Oven Cooking – Book Release

Announcing the release of "Dutch Oven Cooking The Scouting Way" compiled by Mike Matzinger containing proven successful Dutch oven cooking recipes. These are used regularly by Troop 219 in Oak Ridge, NC. This is a girls troop of the BSA and they have perfected the art of cooking in these Dutch ovens. All profits from … Continue reading Dutch Oven Cooking – Book Release

2023 Writing Contest Winners Announced

We are pleased to announce the 2023 winners of the "Imagination Begins with You..." High School writing contest. Winner:  The Last Song by Caden Nadler  Second Place Story: On Becoming by Susannah Poese Pick up a copy of all of the finalist stories in the 2023 One Spark short story collection available on Amazon (in … Continue reading 2023 Writing Contest Winners Announced

HS Writing Contest – Finalist Announced

Congratulations to all the finalist! The winners will be announced by the end of the week. The 2023 finalist for the "Imagination Begins with You..." annual high school writing contest are: Tomorrow Despair in the Castle Mirror, Mirror, of My Heart Fate of Fervidus Dreams of a Pine Tree Baby Boy We Are Getting No … Continue reading HS Writing Contest – Finalist Announced

My December Birthday

Every year I write a Christmas story. Please enjoy the short story for 2022. My December Birthday (by Brian Claspell) Planning for Thanksgiving and the feast that culminates on Thanksgiving Day then quickly turns into the preparation for all the Christmas events and the big day itself on December 25. And for my family, for … Continue reading My December Birthday

Escape! Feat. Floss. (2020 Winner)

By Natalie (Arizona) “Bite the bullet, Oaklynn. Get it over with!” Mom said. “If I do that, Mom, I won’t be able to ever bite again. Who knows? Maybe I’ll even die.” “We’re here!” Mom chirped. “Hurry up!” “But Mom, don’t you love me? You’re sending me to my death.” “Come on, honey, this isn’t … Continue reading Escape! Feat. Floss. (2020 Winner)

Memories of You (2021 Winner)

By Kennedy (Texas). She was the loudest trumpet player in the back of the class while I was the timid flute player in the front row. Every day at the start of fourth period, she’d walk in and immediately brighten the room with her smile. With her wavy caramel colored hair and big blue eyes, … Continue reading Memories of You (2021 Winner)

10 Days I Wish Had Lasted Longer (2017 Winner)

By Destini (Kentucky) Ten.It was nearly 10:00 P.M. when I spotted her sitting in the corner of the grocery store, her hands in her lap, her head turned down, eyes closed, as she sat alone and listened to music that was deafening. Maybe she didn’t want to hear anything else. I had never seen her … Continue reading 10 Days I Wish Had Lasted Longer (2017 Winner)

2018 Winners Announced! Imagination Begins with You… HS Writing Contest

I am pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 "Imagination Begins with You..." eighth annual high school writing contest. I am also excited to announce that all of the finalists and all previous winning stories are included in a short story collection "One Spark" (listed under Claspell on Amazon in paperback and as an … Continue reading 2018 Winners Announced! Imagination Begins with You… HS Writing Contest

Convergence by Brian W. Claspell Available Now!

Turns out that Jim Conrad may not be as fictional as the CIA thinks. When a local Chicago accountant is asked to stand in as the fictional eccentric billionaire character with the undercover CIA operative Jenny, he quickly discovers he is being asked to do more than originally thought. Jim and Jenny discover a trail … Continue reading Convergence by Brian W. Claspell Available Now!